Camp Mail

An easy-to-make mailbox for campers

by Catherine Newman

See larger photo

Total Time Needed:: 30 Minutes or less

We vacation at the same campsite every summer, and our neighbors there always prop a little mailbox at the edge of their turf (and always get loads of letters from our kids). Last year, we finally brought our own. Homemade or store-bought, a mailbox makes a delightful diversion, breeds goodwill among fellow campers, and offers plenty of secret-admirer mystery (even if it's usually just doting parents writing those love letters).

Materials

Lidded coffee can plus extra lid
Hammer and nail
Scissors

Brad fastener
Bungee cords
Pad and pen

Instructions

Use the hammer and nail to make a hole in the can's side about 2 inches above the bottom rim.
Cut a rectangular flag from the extra lid, use the nail to make a hole in it near one end, and secure it to the can with a brad fastener (watch out for sharp edges).
Use bungee cords to secure the can to a tree or post, and leave a pad and pen inside for jotting notes.

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