SPUD

Age Level: 7 and up

Number of Players: 3 or more

What is Needed: a dodge ball, beach ball, or other ball that size

Type of Game: noncompetitive

Location: outside

HOW TO PLAY

The players number off and remember their numbers. It (the birthday child at first) throws the ball up into the air, calling a number at the same time. The player whose number has been called tries to catch the ball. If he or she doesn't catch it, the birthday child throws again and calls out a difference number. If the player does catch the ball, he or she can take up to three big steps and throw the ball at any other player. If someone is hit, that player gets an S. The birthday child can take up to three more steps and throw the ball at another player. The players dance around the birthday child, trying to avoid being hit but tempting the birthday child to try for them. The birthday child continues to try to hit them, and as they are hit, they get the letters S, P, U, and D. The first to spell SPUD becomes the next It.