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The Character Carousel LbNA #21125

Owner:Lavender
Plant date:Apr 9, 2006
Location:
City:Schaumburg
County:Cook
State:Illinois
Boxes:7
Found by: Freelance Mystic (7)
Last found:Jul 28, 2011
Status:FFFaFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Apr 9, 2006
The Character Carousel is a group of 6 animals designed to help children learn about the Six Pillars of Character. You can go to www.charactercounts.org to learn more.

It was at the request of my 1st grade students that I carve a set of these animals and hide them. I did not have the same level of confidence in myself as my students had in me here. In all honesty I did not think I could do this. However, not wanting to let my students down, I tried. In the process of trying, I discovered that I could in fact carve out some detailed designs. Because of my students I have again reviewed some important lessons I have learned in life....that relate to being of good character...

never give up (responsibility)
persevere (responsibility)
do what you say you will do (trustworthiness)
be open-minded and listen to others (fairness)
have confidence in my self (respect)

These lessons all relate to the lessons I try to teach my students every day. My students have once again taught me some important lessons as well.

I would therefore like to dedicate this series of letterboxes to the first grade students at DuJardin School in Bloomingdale, Illinois. I hope you all spend time going on this special TREASURE hunt...it truly is an ADVENTURE.

Terrain: pavement and wooded forest paths

Time commitment: about 2 hours to collect all 7

Location: These 6 animals and logo stamp are hiding in a forest located in Schaumburg named after a type of public transportation.

Supplies needed: flashlight, gardening type gloves, stick, and a medium sized garbage bag, camera and film

This area is a heavily populated area on weekends. There are walkers, joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, strollers, boaters, kayakers, and fishermen. BUSY BUSY BUSY!

A prize awaits the first finders...I hope you find it before the weather gets too hot!!!


For the first 4 letterboxes in this series head to section D on the Map for this forest preserve. Park your car in the last parking lot possible by the restrooms. Then head out towards the trail leading south. You will soon see a bridge, however, you do not need to cross this bridge. Instead, begin looking for a small trail through the woods. There are two you can choose, you will know you have found the correct trail because when you stand and face the trail, and turn and look over your left shoulder...in the DISTANCE you will be able to see what appears to be two shiny green pyramid structures. Remember the green pyramids, as you will need drive towards that direction box 5. You then know you have found the correct path. Continue on until it looks like the trail ends. Mother nature looks like she wanted to stop this path from leading any further into the forest, but people have made their way around. Follow the path walking around the massive structure. Or perhaps you can see a different way to get to the other side of this roadblock.

Box 1: CHARACTER COUNTS! (Reported Missing)
Continue on the trail, soon you will be able to walk closer to the water. Take this trail and enjoy watching the fishermen, and boaters in the area. Eventually you will
discover a LARGE tree that has fallen. Many of its branches are reaching out into the water. When this massive tree toppled over it pushed up some earth creating what looks like a natural dirt bridge. What an awesome spot for a picture. An easy climb up the massive diagonal tree a for a few feet will be an awesome photo opportunity. As you are up the tree...look ahead, you will soon see another large tree reaching into the water. This one is a very smooth looking grey tree. Walk over to this tree. For many 13 is an unlucky number, for you, today, 13 is the opposite. Once you have taken 13 steps you will see a small post like stump in the ground. It is about a foot in height. Stand by this post, with the water to your right. Put your hand on your HEART and let your fingers point the way to the first treasure. The treasure is hiding in your heart.

Box 2: Shinrai (Reported Missing)
Shinrai (derived from the Japanese for trust.) is the camel who always keeps her promises, always does what she says she will do, and is loyal, honest and punctual.

Your adventure continues as you return to the large downed tree that blocked the trail before. Instead of going around the tree and taking the path to your right...follow the path to your left towards the water. Walk towards the largest tree. The treasure is hiding in its base.


Box 3: Ansvar
Ansvar (derived from the Norwegian for responsible.) is the elephant. Colorful ribbons tie around his trunk and tail to help him remember his responsibilities.

Return to the main paved trail. Follow this path away from the bridge. There will be many cars and boats in this area. Continue following the path heading northwest. Soon you will see a large sign mapping out the forest preserve. Follow the path crossing over the main drive...be careful, some drivers are not always paying attention. Continue on, it will quiet down a bit as you head back into the wooded area. Eventually there will be an open clearing on your left. This clearing leads to a loop in which cars can turn around. Begin walking towards this loop...head over to 9:00. Continue straight from that point and count over 5 parking spaces on your left. Look straight ahead. Where would you hide if you were an elephant? You may want to wear your gloves to get Ansvar.





Box 4: Karina (missing as of 1/7/2007...I will recarve Karina when time permits)
Karina (derived from the Spanish for caring.) is the kangaroo who has a seemingly endless supply of things inside her pouch, including a special box of little hearts for children she meets on her travels.)

Begin to return to your car. You will again see the loop around for cars. This time it will be to your right. You will also notice a rather large tree at about 6:00. From that point count 42 steps. Look carefully for the markings M9 they are significant and let you know you are very near the treasure. As Karina was heading into the forest towards the water, she decided to hop up into a tree. She chose this particular tree because it looked like the 5 long slender fingers of her trainer back in Australia holding out a bit of vegemite for her. This is where she will sit and wait for your arrival.


Box 5:Austus (Austus has gone AWOL...I will recarve him when time permits and then rehide him.)

Austus (derived from Estonian for respect.) is the lion who is confident. Respect is one of the highest qualities one can have - for nature, for others, and for oneself.

Return to your car to find Austus.

Austus has searched high (very high) and low for the perfect place to perch himself upon and call home. He finally spotted the perfect home in the distance. He headed towards an area that reminded him of the Egypt. Austus thought he could become the Schaumburg version of the Giza Sphinx. As he raced across the parking lot, and through the open field he thought for sure he finally found his home. He tried heading to the green structure in the south but could not get through. So, he decided to try the northern side. Again Austus was defeated. He roared a mighty disapporving roar. However, not being one to easily quit, Austus has decided to take some time to think about how to reach those mighty glimmering green structures in the distance that remind him of Egypt. For now, he quietly waits at the northeastern edge of a small wooded area...keeping his eyes upon his goal in the distance. A mere 55 steps would get him to the fence, but then how will he cross the mighty obstacle in front of him. You may see Austus pacing back and forth on the northern edge of this wooded area...if he sees you, he will probably disappear into the base of a tree nearby.



For letterboxes 6 and 7 you will need to drive over to the Elk Pasture. Park near the center of the main lot. Make sure you have all supplies listed when you leave your car this time. Pick up the trail head north of the bathrooms. Be careful: make sure you take the wrong path.


Box 6: Guisto (reported Missing)
Guisto (derived from the Italian for fair.) is the giraffe who always tries to do what is right. Guisto uses his long neck to see all sides of any issue and has a gentle way of helping others do the same.

After entering this portion of the forest preserve keep your eyes up towards the trees. Look high where a giraffe might look. You will soon spot an enormous tree that was struck by lightening. Don’t walk all the way over there. Instead find the downed tree that is making a very large letter Y near the trail. The treasure you seek is at the base of the Y.


Box 7: Kupa (log book destroyed...stamp still there)
Kupa (derived from the Hawaiian for citizen.) is the bear who considers herself a citizen of the world. A philosopher and a poet, she believes that we are all part
of the same family and must do out share to help each other.

What better way then to end your search then for Kupa the bear. Kupa represents all that we should aspire to be as members of our community. Remember to be a good citizen today as well. Now that you are nearing the end of your search, take out that medium sized trash bag you brought along. From now until you return to your car, please pick up any trash you may find in this beautiful forest preserve. Now would be an ideal time to wear your gloves. Please discuss safety rules with your children before allowing them to pick up any litter.

Continue following the trail around the fenced in Elk Pasture. Eventually you will reach the overpass. Begin walking up and over it. Stop when you have walked about
halfway. Facing the west, and the oncoming traffic look down. You should be able to see the median in the road under your feet. Continue across the bridge, in about 60 steps, turn and face west, you will be standing directly in front of a rather large tree. This is our friend, Kupa’s home. Continue down to the end of the bridge then carefully walk back to Kupa’s tree. Kupa likes to sit in the west and watch the sunset each night. Once you have walked down and are under the bridge you will see a large
cement support beam. Kupa’s tree is slightly northwest of that beam.

Congratulations! You have hopefully found The animals of the Character Carousel!

Head back to your car by walking back up over the bridge and then around the rest of the Elk Pasture. They are often best seen here in the southwest corner where it is more open for viewing.

When you near the parking lot, remember to throw away the litter you collected. And, thanks for being a great citizen today! You might want to stop over at the restrooms and wash your hands.

Fabulous options for lunch and dinner are just a few blocks away. I would recommend the following restaurants: The Rainforest Café, Big Bowl, and The Cheesecake Factory. If you are in need of a sweet treat you can’t beat Jarosch’s Bakery located at the southeast corner of Arlington Heights and Higgins roads.

I hope you had a great day and that you found all of the stamps in this series.