Number of Players:

Usually a full group

Age Groups:

All Ages

Area to Play:

Open Field

Required Items:

Large Ball (Softer than a Bonzo Ball)

Description:

Before the game begins, each player is assigned a number. Then, with everyone standing close to you, throw the ball straight into the air while shouting out one of the camper’s numbers.

All the campers run as far as then can (within the boundaries of the field) except for the camper whose number was called. The camper whose number has been called quickly gets the ball and shouts “SPUD” as soon as they touch it.

When they hear “SPUD,” all of the campers have to freeze in place. The camper with the ball may then take four steps, spelling “S”, “P”, “U”, “D” with each step towards any other player. They may then attempt to throw the ball at another camper.

The frozen camper cannot move their feet, but may try to catch the ball or evade with their upper body.

If the camper is hit with the ball, they get a letter from the word SPUD. (S -> P -> U ->D)

If they catch it or the thrower misses the other player, the thrower gets a letter.

Whichever camper received a letter gets to begin the next round by throwing the ball up and shouting a new number.

If a player gets all four letters (SPUD) they are out. 

Rules:

• The player whose number was called can't yell "SPUD" until they have possession of the ball.

• The player whose number was called must call "SPUD" once getting the ball. (They can't run around with the ball)

• The players who are running from the ball have to stay within the designated boundaries of the game.

• When "SPUD" is called, all players must freeze in place (they can't take extra steps away from the player with the ball)

• The player with the ball cannot aim at another player's face.

• Numbers cannot be called more than once unless every other number has been called already.

• Campers cannot change numbers.

• If a number is called which isn't assigned to any of the current players, all players have to sit in place. The last one to sit gets a letter as if they were tagged by the ball. This is called a "ghost number."

Additional Rules

• When players get out, they can perform a task to return back into the game. (Ex: Jumping Jacks)

• If campers do get eliminated, a counselor could call a "jail break" to allow all of the eliminated players back into the game.

Supervision Tips:

• Designate an area for the game that can be supervised by all counselors.

• Do not allow campers to run behind bunks or into areas that are out of the view of counselors.

• Do not allow campers to run into unsafe areas (the middle of the street, the woods, etc.)

• If campers get eliminated, make sure those campers are also being supervised and given something to do until the game restarts or until they are allowed back in the game.

• To ensure that campers don't run too far, counselors can stand on opposite sides of the field to stop the campers. One counselor will have to stand in the center to manage the game.