Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining historical and geographical education with ones artistic abilities in a delightful "treasure-hunt" through beautiful, scenic places. To learn more about letterboxing, visit the official website at www.letterboxing.org

Once you've found a letterbox, enjoy the contents, take an imprint of the stamp found if you wish, leave a signature, stamp and date visited, then discreetly replace the container exactly where you found it, hidden from sight.

Letterboxing Code of Ethics

When hunting for letterboxes, please respect the land upon which they are hidden. Do not disturb any historical landmarks or private property. Do not break sod, remove native vegetation, disturb natural formations, or interfere with animals or their habitats. Please remain on existing pathways and leave the site better than the way you found it. No one should be able to detect you have visited. You are also encouraged to remove any litter left by others who do not respect this area. Also, never let children hunt for letterboxes unsupervised.

How To Get Started - The Letterbox Hunter's Kit

To begin, prepare a letterboxing hunter's kit. Some of the items you should carry in your kit include:

• Clue Maps - Start by printing out some clues or "treasure maps" for letter boxes in your area. These can be found under the clues section of this site. Also check www.letterboxing.org for further clues and maps.
• A notebook - This is where you keep stamp imprints from the letterboxes you find. Any little notebook will do but a 3.5" x 5" acid free, unruled artists notebook is the best, especially if you wish the to frame the stamps later on.
• A personal stamp - Preferably hand carved (carved erasers work well for stamps). This is what you use to sign the guest books you will find in each letter box.
• A stamp pad or felt markers - May letterboxes don't supply stamp pads, so bring your own. Personally I prefer colorful permanent felt markers over stamp pads which tend to leak... all over napsacks and clothing (Yes, I'm speaking from experience).
• A Pen - Always handy to have one so you can sign into, as well as stamp the books you find.
• A compass - Preferably one with bearings on it as some clue maps describe directions such as "230 degrees magnetic". You may also want to brush up on your compass navigational skills.
• Proper gear and "bush sense" - If you are going to a remote area, one should never venture into unfamiliar territory without proper training and gear such as, hiking boots, raincoats, food, water, navigational and safety equipment. Never go alone and never leave children unattended. Always know where you are and how to get back. Learn and teach good "bush sense" and always be prepared as wilderness can be very unforgiving!

Now head out to your favorite clue location and have fun!