Smaug's Jewels
Materials:
Small ball, handkerchief, or other "easy to grab" object
Directions:
This activity is named for Smaug, the dragon with a horde of gold and silver from The Hobbit by Tolkien. One player is chosen as Smaug, who stands guard over the jewels (ball, handkerchief, etc. placed on the ground to represent the "jewels"). Other players form a circle around Smaug and try to steal the treasure without getting tagged. Smaug can range as far from the jewels as s/he dares. If a player gets tagged by Smaug, they freeze in place until the end of the game.
Possible variations:
Sit players in a circle around the "jewels" and assign each player a number. Choose one person to stand in the center and act as the first Smaug. Call out a number from the group and that player will attempt to get the jewel from Smaug in a one-on-one round. If they are tagged they sit back in the circle, and if they retrieve the jewels they become the new Smaug.
