Party Games

Gravel (Clean)

This game is that is not too very well known, however, there are many different versions of it. This is the version I know of.

Rating: All Ages!

Materials Needed: Spacious Backyard next to a road that is not dangerous or few places that are elevated off the ground, for example: a trampoline or even a chair if you have little resources. This can also be played indoors if adults are not around or consent to the group standing on furniture.

Number of Players: 2+

Age Suggestion: Any Age, although the concept might be too difficult for children under 5.

How to Play: Start by having the group stand in the middle of the yard. This game has a basic "The floor is lava" concept. One player is picked to close their eyes and stay in a spot facing a wall or somewhere where they cannot cheat. They count down from three and everyone finds a place to stand off of the ground, however, they cannot stand there for more than 10 seconds. The person with their eyes covered, known as the "graveler," calls out "Gravel!" Whenever they hear someone moving, or suspect that someone is. These calls cannot be very close together, or nobody will have the chance of not being caught. If you are on the ground when gravel is called, you're out. The graveler uses their senses of hearing to decipher if a player is on the ground. Although the game is called Gravel, it does not have to be played on Gravel. Any ground surface will suffice. The game can also be played inside, with consenting adults. Try not to break anything!

Rules:

1.) The graveler should never cheat by taking a peek. A blindfold can be used if necessary.

2.) Players can only stand on objects for up to ten seconds at a time. Keep an eye on the other players!

3.) If a player gets off the ground while the Graveler is only halfway through saying the word "Gravel," the player is still out.

4.) If a conclusion cannot be made as to whether or not someone was off the ground in time, a simple coin flip or a Rock Paper Scissors round should suffice. No fighting!

5.) If the game is played inside, you may want to ask any adults in the house if it is alright to stand on the furniture. If not, go outside or ask the adult to explain what furniture is off limits and what furniture is not.

6.) Players cannot get off of an object after the 10 seconds is up and then proceed to get back on it. This is a form of cheating. Players cannot be on the same object twice in a row.

7.) Players can also not go back and forth between two objects. This is another form of cheating due to it being too easy a tactic.

Suggestions:

Watch the other players to make sure they aren't cheating by standing on an object for longer than 10 seconds!

Keep your footsteps quiet so the Graveler doesn't hear you.

Stand on steady surfaces so you cannot fall off.

Other ways of playing:

If there happens to be two forms of ground in your yard, for example, grass and gravel: the game can be played with or without elevated objects. Players can alternate between the two elements, as long as they are off of the safe side for at least ten seconds and are at least 8 feet away from it. This version can also be played with elevated objects as well, and the extra ground can be used as another safe spot.
If your yard is along a road the road can also be used as a safe spot, as long as it is safe and Players don't go too far out into the road.

Another version of Gravel can include the Graveler being able to move around instead of standing in one space, but a blindfold should be used for this method, (although it is optional) because cheating is very easy to do in this version.

Examples: N/A