My Brother Sam is Dead (22 page)

Play Duck on the Rock!

For an up-to-date version of a game that Tim played, try this version of the game Duck on the Rock. For this game, you'll just need a couple of friends and an equal number of hand-sized beanbags or hacky-sacks. Place one player's bag on a slightly large object that is waist high or taller (you could use a large rock, tree stump, mailbox, etc.). This player's beanbag is called “the Duck.” Now, all the players stand in a line several feet away and toss their beanbags at the Duck, trying to knock it off. When it falls, all the players who have tossed their beanbags run to retrieve them before the Duck's owner can place his or her beanbag back on the Rock and tag another player. If another player is tagged, then he or she becomes the Duck.

Make a Whirligig!

For another fun activity, try making this popular toy from the Revolutionary War era. You will need a ruler, crayons, pencil, string, and a 4-inch circle of stiff cardboard. First, take the circle and color it as desired. Experiment with different geometric patterns, spirals, and colors. Then use the pencil to punch out two small holes that are diagonally across from each other, each about
3/8” from the center. Finally, thread about 2' 1/2” of string through the holes and tie the ends together. Hold the string between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, and twirl the circle until the string is taut. Then stretch it out, and pull hard to make the whirligig spin! Continue, alternating pulling hard and relaxing the string.

Spend a Day in 1776!

Here's a challenge: See if you can spend an entire day not using anything that wouldn't have been available to Tim. That means no TV, video games, computers, cars, lightbulbs, or electricity. If you can't manage it for a whole day, see how long you can last in 1776. Travel back in time, from right where you are….

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