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Gregg A. Catalano
gcatalano@earthlink.net
(832) 237-4635
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The Last Word
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: None
Activity time: 5-7 minutes
How to play:
This is a great closing activity that also provides you as the leader with very valuable feedback. Begin by instructing the participants to form a circle. Next, ask the participants to think of just one word that describes how they are feeling, or what they thought of the session/experience. Ask for a volunteer to start and after they have shared their word, go around the circle allowing each participant to share their word with the group.
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Extend-a-Friend / Stretchy-Stretchy
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 1 Item (non-rollable) per team
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Put all participants into equal numbered teams, have them establish relay lines, and you’re ready to issue this most unique challenge to them. The object of this initiative is to see which group can place their object the farthest away from the starting point in 1 minute. Only two simple rules exist during an attempt – everyone in the group must be connected, and the last player on the team must be in contact with the start line when the team’s item is placed on the ground. Prior to leading this activity, establish your starting line and give the 1st player on each team a non-rollable item. Explain that on your “Ready . . . Extend-a-Friend or Stretch” command, time begins and each group will have only 1 minute to stretch out, connect up, and place their ball as far away from their starting line as possible. At the end of 1 minute, stop the activity and note the winner. Applaud everyone’s efforts, and have all team’s return to their starting line for a 2nd attempt. Let them know that you know that they can stretch even further this time. Ask that they listen to the rules again and state them in this way: “the only rule is that you must be connected and that the last player must be in contact with the start line when your team’s item is placed.” For some, it will start to sink in that they can use the various resources available to them to connect to one another and to stretch their group even further during this 2nd attempt. On your “Extend-a-Friend or Stretch” command start timing, and for those thinking in this way, you will see belts, shoes, T-shirts being taken off to extend players to help stretch their group farther. Stop after 1 minute and declare the winner. As all groups will now realize that they can use resources, prior to playing a third time, allow groups time to plan, strategize and problem solve. Play this final time and watch how far the teams will get in just a minute as they utilize available resources and work cooperatively together!
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Team Aces Up
Number of players: Any number in groups of 3
Equipment needed: 1 Poker chip per group
Activity time: 7-10inutes
How to play:
Using any grouping method desired, have all participants get into groups of 3 and give each group a poker chip (coin, flat stone or anything that can balance well on the back of a hand). Start, by instructing each team of 3 to link-up by elbows and to place the poker chip on the back of one of the outside hands. Once in this position, the team is now ready to do battle with the other groups in this cooperative/competitive activity. Emphasize that the 3 players must stay connected at all times with the object of this game to be the last team in the playing area with their poker chip still on the back of a hand. On the “Go” command, the group must work together to help the “chip hand” try to stay away from the other attacking group’s “free hands” while simultaneously using their “free hand” to attack other groups “chip hands.” It is important to note that at no time is slapping or body bumping allowed in this game and that if a team chooses not to engage others, a warning will be issued and if a team is warned a second time they will be eliminated from the game. When a group drops or has their chip dislodged by another team, they stop, unlink, change the order of players (which creates a new chip hand, middle player and attack hand ["free hand"]), reconnect elbows and then continue to play. Once each of the 3 players has dropped the chip the team is out of the competition and moves to side to watch the rest of the game. Play continues until there is only one group of 3 remaining or you can play for a set amount of time and award points for teams that remain in the game at the end of the timed period. You’ll find that “Team Aces Up” will be aces with all your participants and a game they will ask to play again and again!
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Este's Swiss Challenge
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 1 balloon for each person, 1 soft throwable
object per team
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Start by making 5 to 12 player teams and have each team form a circle. Give each player a balloon and then give one of the players (the leader) a second soft item that is throwable (for this description I will use a beanbag). The object of this unique challenge is for the beanbag to travel around the circle without being dropped while avoiding catching the beanbag and the balloon at the same time. This is how it works. Have the group number-off with each consecutive number being on the opposite side of the circle (#1 should toss straight across the circle to #2, #2 should then pass back across the circle to #3, etc.). Player #1 (the leader) starts with both the balloon and the beanbag in hand and begins the challenge by first tossing their balloon up in the air, immediately calling out player #2's name, tossing the beanbag they hold to them and finally catching their balloon before it hits the ground. Player #2 upon hearing his/her name tosses their balloon in the air and to make a legal catch and throw must time it so that their balloon is in the air as the beanbag is coming to them, catch the beanbag cleanly, call out player #3's name, toss the caught beanbag to player #3 and then catch their balloon. This cycle continues until each group member has successfully been able to toss and catch the beanbag and the beanbag has been returned to the leader. If either the beanbag is dropped, the beanbag and balloon are caught together by a player, or a player's balloon hits the ground, the attempt fails and the challenge must be started over again. This is a difficult challenge for most group, but extremely rewarding when accomplished!
Variations:
1. To ease a group into this challenge consider starting in groups of
three and then adding players as they become more efficient.
2. If a group accomplishes this challenge to easily, instead of using a
balloon, give each group member a tennis ball (or other soft
throwable object). This changes the difficulty level from difficult
to very difficult instantly!
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Quick Celebration
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: None
Activity time: 1-3 minutes
How to play:
At the end of any team building/cooperative activity, have all participants stand in a circle to initiate a “Quick Celebration.” On the signal to begin, all the players slap their knees twice, clap their hands twice, snaps their fingers twice, and say, “Hey!” As they say “Hey!” each participant points to another player that they think did a great job during the game or activity. Great way to end your cooperative games session on a positive note.
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Stalking Game (The) / Springbok
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 2 Blindfolds, 1 Beach Ball
Activity time: 7-15 minutes
How to play:
This amusing game comes to us from the African Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert and imitates the serious purpose of the Kalahari tribesmen hunting after a springbok. Begin by choosing two participants to go first and have them stand in the middle of a large circle formed by the other players. One of the participants is chosen to play the part of the “springbok” and the other is the “hunter.” Blindfold both the “hunter” and the “springbok” and provide the “hunter” with a beach ball. Separate the two and move them to opposite sides of the circle, spin each one around several times to disorient them and let the hunt begin. As quietly as they can, the two players begin moving around the circle, the “springbok” hoping to avoid the “hunter” and the “hunter” hoping to find and tag (with the beach ball) the springbok. Circle members participate by helping the “hunter” find the “springbok” by varying the speed and intensity of their clapping which gives the “hunter” a verbal clue as to if s/he is on track or not. If either the “hunter” or “springbok” get close to the edge of circle, circled participants “hiss” (like a snake) at the person to warn them to turn the other direction. Play for a designated amount of time with the “springbok” winning (by staying alive in this scenario) if they avoid being tagged by the “hunter.” Will your tribe go hungry?
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Egyptian Sticks
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 1 Swim noodle per person (3’ to 4’ in length)
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
To begin, form a large evenly spaced circle with approximately 3-5 feet between each participant (distance to be determined by the height of the participants). Next, provide each participant with an Egyptian Stick (1/2 swim noodle), and have them place one end of their stick (in an upright position) on the floor directly in front of them. Have all group members hold the stick with their dominant hand and to place their non-dominant hand behind their back stressing that this stick should remain on the ground at all times from this point forward. Explain that when the activity begins, you will give the command "1, 2, 3, Change," and on the word “Change” everyone must release their stick (leaving it in an upright position) and quickly move to the next stick on their left trying to catch it before it falls to the ground. The cooperative nature of this activity comes into play by challenging the group to see if they can go all the way around the circle and return to their original starting spot without any sticks dropping.
*note: If this is too easy for the group, simply have them take a step back and try it again.
Variations:
1. When the leader gives the command “1, 2, 3, Change," have players tap their sticks to the rhythm of the counting leaving their sticks (as above) on the word “Change.”
2. Instead of using the command “1, 2, 3, Change," you could use the original games words "Ba, Ba, O!” (with participants moving on “O!”) or simply come up with your own themed command (for example: “I love Camp!”)
3. To work on listening skills use either the command “Ba, Ba, Lou!” or “Ba, Ba, Roo!” Depending on the ending word, participants will either move to the left (“Lou!”) or right (“Roo!”).
4. An additional challenge would be to have the players stay in place, but toss the sticks to their neighbors or to toss their stick to the player two spaces away.
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Pop Up
Number of players: Any number (in groups of 8)
Equipment needed: Short ropes, Cones, Balls
Activity Time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
This cooperative challenge requires participants to use both their hands and their heads. Start by providing each group of eight with four short ropes (4’ feet in length). Instruct each group member to use one hand and to grab onto one end of a rope. Once all have an end of a rope securely in their hand, the entire group will be connected with one another. Now, place a small cone with a ball balanced on top of it in the center of the group. Explain that by working together and using only the ropes, the group must somehow figure out how to pop the ball up in the air and have it caught in the open hand of one of its team members. Upon completing this initial task, the group must then figure out 2 completely different ways to get the ball off the cone and into 2 different team members open hands. Should an attempt fail or the ball drops to the floor, the group must start over again by placing the ball back on the cone and repeating that attempt. A simple activity in design, but hard in execution.
Variation: Play as above, but instead of coming up with different ways of popping the ball up to 3 different people, time the group to see how long it takes them to get each person in the group to catch the ball with their open hand
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Berserk
Number of players: Any number (in small groups)
Equipment needed: 1 balloon for each person, +10 balloons per group,
1 timing device
Activity Time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Here is a unique low level initiative that requires little skill, is 100% active and always a hit with groups. Begin by creating teams of 6-10 participants and instructing each group to sit down together. Explain that the object of this activity is to fight gravity by cooperatively working together to keep an adding number of balloons up in the air for as long as possible. Select a team to start and provide each team member with an inflated balloon. Have someone keep time and explain that on the "GO" command, all team members are to hit their balloons up into the air and continue bopping them up in the air in an effort to keep their balloon from hitting the ground. The challenge begins 5 seconds into the activity as at 5 second intervals the leader will introduce another balloon into the group which forces the group to work harder to keep their balloon or others balloons from hitting the ground. The seated teams also have a role in this activity and that is to watch for balloons that have hit the ground. Explain that every time a balloon touches the ground, everyone immediately starts shouting “BERSERK!, BERSERK!, BERSERK!” while pointing at the balloon on the ground. Once the “BERSERK!” chant is started, the competing team has 5 seconds to retrieve the balloon and get it back into the air or their turn is over and their time recorded. A team’s turn also ends and time is recorded once a balloon hits the ground for the 6th time. Once a teams attempt is over, they take a seat and a new group takes on the challenge. After all groups have had an opportunity to help their balloons defy gravity, give groups time to strategize and develop a plan to better their original time. Play again to see if groups can beat their previous time with the group keeping their balloons up in the air longest setting the “BERSERK” record.
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Beat the Clock
Number of Participants: Any number in teams
Equipment Needed: 1 Spot/Marker per group, Stopwatch
Activity Time: 5-7 minutes
How to play:
As our U.S.A. Olympians compete against the world and the clock, throw this Olyjmpic sized challenge at them this month. Begin by selecting teams of 8-10 players instructing them to form a circle with all holding hands. Select a captain for each team and place a marker in front of this person. Explain that the object of this activity is to see how quickly each group can move 360 degrees in one direction, stop, reverse direction and get back to their original starting position. On the “Go” command, each teams selected captain leads his/her group around the circle and back to their original spot, immediately the group reverses direction and returns back to their starting point as quickly as possible. This action is timed with a stop watch and then challenged by other equal numbered groups or the group setting the time can try to improve their time. If at any time the group breaks the circle by releasing hands that time trial is over and they must start again. As a variation, this activity can also be done without the group holding hands. Each player is to run as fast as possible, but no one can pass the person in front of them during the challenge. Have the captain start the activity with a foot on his/her spot. On the “Go” command this captain must run around the circle and back to his/her spot, touch the spot, yell-out “Reverse” and then all participants reverse direction and run the opposite direction until they all return to their original spots and the captain touches his/her spot which stops the timer. Time will fly and all have fun as participants try to better their time!
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Foot Pass Relay
Number of Participants: Any number in teams
Equipment Needed: 1 Ball per group
Activity Time: 5-7 minutes
How to play:
In this cooperative relay, group members are required to pass a ball around their circle or down a line using only their feet. To begin the relay, place a ball on the legs of one of the participants. On the “go” command group members work together to get the ball around the circle/down the line quickest. If the ball touches the ground or another persons’ hands, the ball must be returned to the starting point. The first group to successfully get their ball around the circle 3 times or down their line and back is the winning team.
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Coconut Shell Relay
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 7 Throwable items per team
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
To begin, divide the group into teams with each team formed in a circle about 10 feet in diameter and team members spaced evenly around the circumference of each circle. Provide each team with 7 coconut shells (any soft, tossable items may be used as the "coconut shells") and place these items at the feet of one player. On the "Go" command, the person with all the items at his feet throws one coconut shell at a time to the player on his left who in turn passes the item to the player on his left and so forth until the coconut reaches the player immediately to the right of the leader. This player will place each coconut shell at his feet as he receives them until he has all 7 shells. Once all 7 shells have been received, the process reverses itself with shells being passed one at a time back around the circle until all shells are at the feet of the player who was the original leader. The first team to return all coconuts to its original starting player wins the game.
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5-Passes
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 30-40 various throwable objects
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Prior to beginning the game, scatter a variety of throwable objects on the ground in your play area. After instructing all participants to group into pairs, you are ready for this high paced, cooperative activity! Explain that the challenge is to get a pre-determined number of 5-pass series in a set amount of time. Determine who will start the challenge in each pair and explain that this person will be first to pick up one of the items and start the 5-pass throwing series. A complete series is as follows: Player #1 picks up an object, s/he throws it to his/her partner and they both say: “1.” Player #2 (who just caught the ball), passes it back to player #1 and both participants say: "2." The ball is passed back and forth in this manner until the 5th pass occurs which will end with player #2 catching the ball (this also ends the series and the pair have just completed their 1st series of 5-passes). Player #2 then drops the object and both players must run to another object and start the 5-pass cycle again. Once an object is obtained, other players may not disturb or take an object being thrown and must run to find one that is on the ground to use. This activity will get the heart rates up, encourage working together and warm your participants up for the other great cooperative activities you will be sharing with them.
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Street, Child, Home
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: None
Activity time: 5-7 minutes
How to play:
In celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this month, here’s a creative cooperative/listening activity from Ireland that can be used any time to energize your group. Start by having all participants get into groups of 3. Once grouped, have 2 of the group members combine by standing face-to-face with each other and holding each other’s hands. These 2 have now created what will be called the “Home.” The third group member becomes the “Child” and it’s explained that each home has space for 1 child. Instruct “Homes” to raise their arms to allow each “Child” to stand in between them before lowering their arms. This becomes the starting position for the game. Explain that you will be calling out “Street, Child, Home, Street, Child, Home, etc.” and that all participants need to listen carefully to you as their next action is all dependent on the word that you end on. If for example, you end with the word “Home,” all those that have the designation as “Child” have to stand still while the homes (staying together) lift their arms over their first “Child” and move to find another “Child” to encircle. If you end with the word "Child,” those who are designated as a “Child” have to get out of their present home and find a new home. Finally, if you end with the word “Street,” all the players disband and form new groups of 3 creating a new “Home” with a new “Child” inside it. It can get a “wee” bit crazy, but this Irish cooperative/listening activity will definitely be a hit with your group!
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Kubic Kids
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: Hula Hoops
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Everyone likes to set a record of some kind. This event is designed for fun, but it will get your group to put the pieces of a puzzle together that only they can do. You, as the leader, have the tough part. Put a hula-hoop on the floor (make sure it's in an open area). That's it. Just put the hoop on the floor and say, "How many of you can fit into the hoop?" At first it will be a mad rush to fill the hoop, but with little success. Allow this to happen (safely) and then ask the group to problem solve the matter. The official record (at Physician of Phun World Headquarters) is 14 teens/adults in the hoop at one time, 15 pre-teens at a time, and 16 1st/2nd/ and 3rd graders at a time. Have fun and email me a photo if your group sets the new record.
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Tiger Ball
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 4 2-liter bottles per group,
2 Nerf balls per group
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
In this game from Israel, play starts with players formed into a minimum of two circles. In the center of each circle place four standing plastic bottles and give each circle two "nerf" balls. Each group will then select two of its members to go to another circle. It is the job of these two players to guard the bottles in that circle while the remaining circled group members try to knock the bottles down as quickly as possible. If a bottle is knocked down it remains down and circles are competing against one another to see which group can knock down both bottles first. After each round select 2 new players to go to the other group and record scores. Teamwork occurs both within the large group and between the 2 players.
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Cooperative Carol
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: None
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Split your group into 12 teams (equal numbers are not necessary for this activity). Once groups are established, assign each group one verse of the song: “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Explain that each group will have time and is responsible for working cooperatively together to create actions to go with the words of their assigned verse. Further emphasize that all participants must be actively involved in the singing and acting out of their verse once the song begins. You’ll be amazed at the interpretive creativity of each group’s verse and how nicely it promotes holiday cheer as you have an absolute riot singing and acting out this classic Christmas song!
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"P.I.G."
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: None
Activity time: 5-7 minutes
How to play:
This is a simple game that involves spelling, searching, and team effort. Teams of five or six are selected and sit in a designated area (not to close to each other). The facilitator selects a word. This word could be anything, but a word that is part of a theme for the day/week works best. For example: let's say you are talking about cooperation and select the first word to be "TEAM." On the “Go” command, each group has to scatter and find items in the area that start with the letters of the selected word. Group members may find a twig (T); one might find an envelope (E); another might find an apple (A); and another finds a mint (M). They bring the items back to the group area as quickly as they can. Each group must place the items in the correct order to spell the selected word. Once all found items are arranged correctly, the group shouts out the word repeatedly until the facilitator acknowledges them. Give three points to the first group to spell the word; two points for second and one point for third. Have each group replace all the items after spelling the word. Play continues until a team has scored a selected number of points (usually 15 or 20). Remember... a group cannot use an item twice. That means they cannot use a twig again for a "T", etc.
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Funny Bones
Number of players: Any number in pairs or in small groups
Equipment needed: Funny Bones Cards
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Prior to introducing this hilarious group activity you will need to make a series of index card sets. Each index card needs to have two body parts written on it (“toe to back,” “ear to shoulder,” “knee to hip,” etc.). Each set should contain about 20 cards with 3 of the cards being “Free Bones” cards. Shuffle the cards and give a set to each pair or team. Explain that to play this game, one card is selected and the pair or two participants from the group must press the chosen card between those two body parts. Once accomplished, another card is selected and the above is repeated (if playing as part of a group the person selecting the card must connect with someone already participating in the game). If a “Free Bones” card is selected, the pair or group can choose what two body parts will be connected. Cards are selected and placed between the body parts until a card is dropped. At this point, play stops and points are awarded. Give each pair or group 5 points for each card they were holding prior to the drop occurring. This is a great “Twister” type game that involves a lot of cooperating between a partner or a small group.
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Hit & Switch
Number of players: Any number is teams of 5-8
Equipment needed: Beach Balls
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Begin by having each participating group of players stand on 1 side of a line (side “A”) and provide them each with a beach ball. Player #1 starts this cooperative game by hitting the beach ball to any player and then immediately crosses the line (s/he will no longer be in side “A”). After crossing the line, that player is no longer eligible to hit the ball again until the last player hits the ball from side “A” to side “B.” Player #2 (who has received the ball from Player #1) then hits the ball to another player and s/he immediately crosses the line and joins player #1. This continues until the ball is hit to the last player on side “A” who then hits it across the line to anyone in side “B.” The team scores one point for involving everyone and having the ball cross the line. The above is repeated on side “B” with players after hitting the ball crossing over to side “A.” If the ball hits the floor, or is hit twice by any player, that ends the groups attempt to accumulate points. Points earned are kept and the challenge starts again with all players starting again on side “A.” Challenge your group to see how many points they can get!
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Beach Ball 360
Number of Participants: Any number
Equipment Needed: Hula Hoops, Beach Balls
Activity Time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Set up this creative cooperative by making a large circle comprised of hoops with about 5 feet of spacing between each hoop. Place 1-3 participants in each hoop and explain that these participants must have one foot in the hoop at all times. The object of this activity is to see how many times the group can manipulate the beach ball sequentially (from one hoop to the next) around the circle without letting the beach ball touch the ground or having a participant’s foot leave his/her hoop. Explain that if more than one person is in the hoop, anyone in the hoop can hit the beach ball and if needed, the beach ball can be hit several times by that hoops members before passing it on to the next group. If the ball hits the ground, allow the group time to regroup and begin again starting with the group that would have received the ball. This is a group initiative and sounds a lot easier than it actually is.
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Crossover
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: Long rope
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Start by having all participants surround a large defined circle (using a piece of tied rope). The goal of this deceptively simple cooperative is to as quickly as possible, change places with the person directly across from you in the circle without touching anyone (if there is an odd number of participants, have them create a group of 3 forming a "partnership"). As always, there are a few rules that must be followed: 1) crossing partners must enter the circle at the same time, 2) group members may not reposition themselves once the activity has begun, 3) the circle may not be changed, and 4) time begins when the timer says "Go" and stops when everyone has finished crossing the circle. Prior to beginning, inform the group that they will be given only 5 attempts to get the lowest possible time possible. How will your group do?
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1/2 Fast Track
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 2 Balls/objects to be passed
Activity time: 7-15 minutes
How to play:
To begin, ask all participants to make a large circle and select two participants standing next to each other as your initial leaders. Hand each of these individuals a ball (the larger the better) and then create two teams by dividing the group in half and designating the last two participants on each team as the “spinners.” The object of this high energy low level group cooperative is to pass the ball around half of the circle and back as quickly as possible trying to beat the other team back to the original leader. On the leaders "Go," each team member hands the ball from one person to the next. When the ball reaches the last person, that person (“the spinner”) spins around one full turn and hands the ball back to the person they just received the ball from and the passing action continues back to the leader. The first team to get its ball back to its original leader is the winner.
Variations: Squatting 1/2 Fast Track
Spinning 1/2 Fast Track
Slap 1/2 Track
To extend the length of the game, make a Tic-tac-toe poster or Connect Four poster and put it in the center of the circle. When a side wins a round, the team’s leader comes to the middle of the circle and makes a play on the poster. When using this extender make sure you change leaders, spinners, and the game’s finish each round.
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Switch, Change, Rotate
Number of players: Any number in groups of 3
Equipment needed: None
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
This activity really makes a group of three players think, communicate, and work together. Have participants get into groups of 3’s and ask the groups to space themselves out about the area. Once spaced, instruct each team to stand in line (one person behind the other) with all participants facing in the same direction. Using a volunteer group, explain and demonstrate the following three commands that will be used in this activity:
Switch - means that the lead player and the back player exchange places.
Change - means that the entire group simply turns and goes the opposite direction.
Rotate - means the lead player goes to the back and the center player is the new
leader.
To begin the activity, have all groups face you and explain that you will call out commands and it is the job of the group to try to execute each of the commands. Start calling out commands slowly, but pick up the pace as you see groups being successful. To challenge the groups further, have them walk (anywhere in the area) while trying to complete your commands. Next, try having groups power walk while following the commands. Advanced groups might even be able to jog while following your called out commands. This activity is a favorite of ours and lends itself beautifully to some wonderful processing.
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Circle Ball Pass
Number of players: Any number in small groups
Equipment needed: 1 Beach Ball per group
Activity time: 7-15 minutes
How to play:
Begin by having all participants form groups of 6-10 and provide each group with a beach ball. Explain that in this challenge, participants are to pass the beach ball around the circle as many times as possible in the allotted time without ever passing the beach ball in the same way another participant passed it. The only rule is that when passing the beach ball 2 points of contact must be made with the ball. The challenge begins easily enough, but after going around the circle once or twice you really have to become creative to pass the beach ball to your neighbor in a way no one has passed it before. You don’t want to pass up this great activity as participants always love it!!!
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Fill-It
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 30-50 soft throwable objects
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
This activity is a great team builder. Divide your group in half and put each team on one side of the gym floor or playing area. Place a box on the centerline between the teams. Scatter 30 to 50 soft throwable items all over the floor. Each side should have about half the items. On the signal to begin, all the players go to an item, pick it up, and toss it to the other side. A player must toss the item from where he finds it. The object is to throw the ball so that a player on the other side can catch it. A ball that is caught can be placed into the center box. Any ball not caught must be thrown back across the playing area to the players on the other side. The game continues in this cooperative manner until all the balls are caught and placed in the box. Time the group and then challenge them to better their time. Give them some time to problem-solve and then try again.
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Ultimate Moonball
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 1 Large Beach Ball
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Now that you've played “moonball,” let’s take this classic to a whole new cooperative level. The concept is similar to the original “moonball” (see January 2011) but the scoring and counting method changes. In this version, each person in the group must hit the ball before the team can score a point. Start with all participants standing, introduce the beach ball and explain that after a person hits the ball they kneel down to show the group that they have hit the ball. A kneeling player can still hit the ball to keep it in play; but, a point is not scored until all members have hit the ball. Once all group members have hit the ball the group shout out “ONE” and all stand back up and attempt to score another point. This transition (from kneeling to standing again) requires some planning and coordination and is part of making “ultimate moonball” so challenging. If at any time the ball touches the ground that scoring attempt is over and the group starts over again. Trust me - it’s going to take the ultimate group effort to score BIG in this challenge!
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A-Z Moonball / Moonball Tracking
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: Beach Balls
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
The object of this game is simply to recite the alphabet from A to Z. Sounds easy, but there are a few rules that must be followed. Begin by having all participants scatter and sit on the floor. Explain that once started, that each time a person hits the beach ball the group is to shout out the next letter of the alphabet. This continues as long as a rule is not violated. Breaking any of the following rules causes the activity to stop and the group to have start over from "A."
Rule #1: the beach ball hits the floor or ceiling
Rule #2: a participant's seat comes off the floor
Rule #3: any participant hits the ball 2x in a row before another participant
hits it
This is a wonderful low-level initiative that most groups will be successful with. Once success is achieved, you can challenge the group further by having them try it using only their non-dominate hand. How about elbows only, heads only . . . feet?
Variation: Moon Ball Tracking
This is almost the same game except that the group will be using 2, 3, or 4 beach balls. To start, assign one beach ball to 2, 3, or 4 different participants (determined by the number of beach balls being used). These players are to mentally count how many times their ball is hit before one of the above rules is violated or the 30-second time limit is reached. Total all the numbers and announce the groups total. Play again challenging the group to beat its point total or the point total of another group. You'll find this months activity to be a real "hit" with your participants!
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Pressure Cooker
Number of Participants: Any number groups of 10-15
Equipment Needed: 1 Sheet Paper per Group Member, Markers
Activity Time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
This is the time of year for giving and this month’s game is a gift from the very talented and creative mind of Pete Hinojosa and his company Omega Quest.
Start by creating groups of 10-15 participants and provide each person with a piece of paper and each group with a marker. Once all participants are grouped, ask all group members to number off and have them write out their number on a piece of paper. Instruct each group to create a boundary around which they all can stand and move in. Play some upbeat music and instruct all group members to move randomly within there established boundary (essentially mixing up the group). Stop the music and ask that each person set their numbered paper down and stand on it. The group is now ready for the “pressure cooker” challenge. Explain that it is the group’s job to without touching anyone, sequentially go through the numbers within their circle in an effort to get back to their original number as quickly as possible. If a touch occurs a .05 second time penalty will be added to the group’s final time. The first try establishes a benchmark time and each new attempt tries to improve on this time. After a few tries, the time should be down to between .30-.40 seconds. Now, challenge the group to think outside the box and try to accomplish this task in less than 15 seconds. Once successful, explain that groups have been able to do this in less than .07 seconds? Can your group? Give it a try and see!
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Helium Hoops
Number of players: Any number in small groups
Equipment needed: 1 Hula Hoop per team
Activity time: 15-20 minutes
How to play:
This is one of the coolest and most difficult team initiatives we’ve ever seen! Separate your group into teams of 5 to 8 participants. Provide each team with a regular sized hula hoop and get ready to watch something extremely interesting. Instruct all participants to face inwards and extend just their index fingers forward at about chest-level. Designate a player or have the leader set a hula hoop on the top of all the extended fingers and then hold the hula hoop until ready to start the activity. Explain that participants may not hook their fingers around the hoop at any time and fingers must be in contact with the hoop at all times. The objective is simply to lower the hoop to the floor without any fingers ever leaving the hoop. If a finger looses contact with the hoop, that attempt has failed, and the team must start the activity over again. Each team needs a facilitator to start the game and to watch for infractions. Make sure that your group is ready for this activity as it not as easy as it sounds, and is a very difficult initiative to be successful with.
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3 Down
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 4 (2-liter) bottles, 3 Nerf balls
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Start by having all participants create a large circle. Place in the center of the circle four standing plastic bottles. Select two volunteers who will be challenged and timed to see how long they can keep 3 of the 4 bottles standing as the circled participants try to knock down the bottles as quickly as possible with supplied nerf balls. Explain to the bottle protectors that if a bottle is knocked down, they can stand it back up anywhere in the circle; but, if at any time 3 bottles are knocked down at the same time their turn is over and the stopwatch stopped. Select two new volunteers and play again with the new bottle protectors trying to beat the best time that has been established. Teamwork by both the 2 bottle protectors and the large circle occur making this the perfect high energy cooperative game that your group will ask to play over and over again!
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Heads and Hands
Number of Players: Any number in groups of 6 or more
Equipment Needed: Beach Balls
Activity Time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
The object of the challenging activity is for your team to get as many points as possible in a 1 to 2 minute time period. Start by having one group member selected to be the "Counter." Next, explain that on the signal to begin, the beach ball is hit into the air by hand and the group tries to keep the ball in the air as long as possible using either their hands or heads with a point being awarded for each “Header” (a ball hit with the head). If the ball hits the floor A) pick it up and hit it again with the hand to restart the action or B) take a point away from the total for each floor hit. Have each group announce their totals and then provide a minute or two for groups to strategize in an effort to better their previous score. You really have to use your head to score big in this activity!
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Name Line
Number of Participants: Any number in a large circle
Equipment Needed: None
Activity Time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Players form a circle. One player stands inside the circle and on the “GO” command moves in front of one of the other players; high 5’s that player, and asks: "Hey what’s your name?" That player then responds by sharing their first name saying for example: “my name is Dawn!" The center player then does the “Dawn” dance – s/he puts their hands on their hips, and shouts “ready.” After the “ready” the center player’s right foot is extended toward the player and as their heel touches the ground (the rest of the foot flexed upward) they shout out the person’s first name (“Dawn”). This is then repeated alternating feet four more times each time repeating the person’s name: "Dawn! Dawn! Dawn! Dawn!" The center player then turns and Dawn puts her hands on their shoulders and they begin "choo‑chooing" across the circle until they stop in front of another player. Again the lead person high 5’s the new person and asks: “Hey, what’s your name?” The person being asked then shares their name and the lead person looks over his/her right shoulder and shouts out their name to the person behind them - “His name is Gary!” The person directly behind the lead person then repeats that action, looking over their right shoulder and shouting out: “His name is Gary!” After the last person shout out the persons name the lead player shouts out “ready!” and the group (now 2 people) do the “Gary” dance. After completing the dance, the lead person and Dawn release their hold on one another and turn around (facing the center of the circle). They reconnect with Gary now hooking onto the lead person and the lead person now connecting to Dawn. This creates a situation where after every dance, there will be a new leader going across the circle to find another player. With large groups the number of starters can be increased so that there may be from three to ten "trains" operating at one time. This is a great way for a group to transition from a large circle to smaller circles while having Phun!!
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Body Letters
Number of Participants: Any number in small groups of 6-8
Equipment Needed: None
Activity Time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Start by dividing all participants into groups of 6-8. Once groups are formed explain that you will be calling out different letters of the alphabet and that it is the groups’ objective to create that letter as quickly as possible with all group members connected in some way. Try a few easy letters to ensure that groups understand and then start a “Body Letter” competition. Award the 1st group to complete their letter 3 points, the 2nd place group 2 points and the 3rd place group 1 point. End the activity by using the following letters . . . A, O, and K. Have participants name the last 3 letters created and respond with, “you know what . . . you guys are A, O, K!”
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3, 2, 1, Ups
Number of players: Any number in small groups
Equipment needed: Various throwable objects
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Each group starts this activity with 1 soft object that can be thrown. One person is chosen to be the leader, and his/her job is simply to give the command: “1, 2, 3, Ups!”. On the word “Ups,” whoever is holding the soft object throws the ball a minimum of 5 feet in the air with the game requiring that someone else in the group other than the thrower catch the thrown object. If the group is successful in tossing and catching the one item, they repeat the process again. If they are successful a second time in a row, then they add another object. This time, on the command “Ups” both items are tossed up into the air at the same time with the group trying to catch both objects. To add another object the group must successfully make 2 catches in a row. If an object touches the ground the group tries again but it is only their first attempt (remember, the group must get 2 catches in a row to add another item). This is a fun, low level cooperative activities that groups love!
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Marbles
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: Beach Balls, Nerf Balls, Fleece Balls
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Begin by having all participants form a large circle. Inside that large circle place a number of randomly placed polydots and 4 semi-deflated beach balls. Provide a number of nerf and fleece balls to those in the circle and you’re ready for the “Marbles” challenge. Explain that the goal of the activity is to get the semi-deflated beach balls on top of the polydots as quickly as possible. At no time may a group member go inside the circle to retrieve a ball; however, if a ball becomes stationary inside the circle the group can choose to hit the ball out with another ball. Time the group to see how long it take to get all 4 balls on top of the polydots and then use this time as the “Marbles” records that can be challenged at any future time by the group.
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Computer Glitch
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: Long Rope, 20 Number Cards, Stopwatch
Activity time: 15-20 minutes
How to play:
Create a large circle with a piece of rope/string and then randomly place 30 number cards inside the circle. Have all participants gather around the circle and explain that their goal is to sequentially touch each of the numbers inside the circle as quickly as possible. Next inform participants that they can step into the circle if they can't reach a number; but, computer glitches occur when one of the following things happen: 1) two people are touching numbers at the same time, 2) a person touches a number or the rope while another group member is inside the circle, 3) a person touches a number out of sequence. If any of the above computer glitches occur, a .10 second penalty is added to the ending time. Cooperating and communicating are the keys to succeeding in this initiative. Set a record and challenge your group to see if they can beat that time by cooperating and communicating even more effectively with one another.
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Balloon Circle Initiative
Number of players: Any number in small groups
Equipment needed: Balloons
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Instruct each group to create a circle with everyone’s feet touching. Provide enough balloons to each group so that every other person has a balloon. The challenge of this colorful activity is to see how long it will take the group to bop (not pass) all the balloons around the circle from one person to the next without anyone loosing foot contact or allowing any of the balloons to touch the ground. Time this initiative from the initial "Go!" and record the time when all of the balloons are back at their original starting point. This one really requires some teamwork - good luck!
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Quick Switch
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: 4 Cones/markers
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Begin by creating a square formation using 4 cones/markers. Create four even teams and then ask that each teams members stand between a set of cones facing inward. Once completed, the leader stands in the center of the square. At this point, have groups note the position they are in relative to the leader and their teammates. Emphasize to the group that in this position, team #1 will always be facing the leader, team #2 will always be facing the right side of the leaders body, team #3 always faces the left side of the leaders body, and team #4 will always be facing the back of the leader. Each player must then remember two things: 1) his/her position in line, and 2) the teams orientation to the leader. Each round of play begins when the leader starts rotating his/her body a ¼ of a turn randomly in the center of the circle. Teams must remain still until the leader comes to a stop and then at this point all teams are allowed to move with the goal being to reassemble themselves into their original order and position (relative to the leaders new position) as quickly as possible. The first team to correctly line up between thier new cones in their original order and orientation to the leader wins a point. The first team to reach a preset score wins the game. Players may not hold onto each other when moving.
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“Get Off the Floor”
Number of players: Any number in groups of 4
Equipment needed: 3 four-foot lengths of rope per group
Activity time: 20-30 minutes
How to play:
Create small groups of 4 or 5 participants to initiate this initiative. Once grouped, give each group one sheet of newspaper, flip chart paper or butcher paper and instruct them to put it in the center of the group. Then challenge all groups to “get off the floor” within 5 seconds (groups will usually jump onto the paper). Now ask someone in the group to fold the paper in half and then challenge the group again to “get off the floor” in 5 seconds. This continues for several more rounds (each time folding the paper in half) with each round becoming more and more difficult for the groups. Various techniques will be employed by all group members to accomplish “getting off the floor,” with the best one being simply to fold the paper in half as instructed and to have all group members “get off the floor” onto chairs or a table, etc. (but don’t tell them this). A great “ah ha” experience for teaching out-of-the-box thinking to your group.
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Santa's Helpers
Number of players: Any number in pairs
Equipment needed: Wrapping Paper, Scotch tape, Scissors, Ribbon,
Paper tissue boxes
Activity time: 10-15 minutes
How to play:
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow . . . one handed! Start by having all participants get into pairs. Provide all necessary gift wrapping supplies (wrapping paper, tape, scissors and ribbon) and a present to wrap (I have found that a tissue paper box is perfect). Have pairs stand side-by-side with one hand free and the other behind their back. In this configuration, one participant will be using their left hand, and the other their right hand. The object is to see which of the Santa’s Helper pairs can wrap the present the best in the allotted time. Have participants select the best package as the winner. As a variation, this can also be played as a relay or be based on fastest time (as long as it is wrapped correctly). Santa needs all the help he can get this holiday season and together we can all help to make everyone’s holiday season the best ever!
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"Thankerchief"
Number of Participants: Any number
Equipment Needed: 1 Bandanna / Hankerchief
Activity Time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
As a closing activity, arrange all participants into a circle. Introduce the “thankerchief” (colorful bandanna) and ask participants to think of 2 or 3 things that they are thankful for. Explain that the “thankerchief” will be passed around the circle from person to person while the group chants this simple 4 line verse:
Thankerchief, thankerchief, round you go --
Where you'll stop, nobody knows.
But when you do, someone must say,
What they are most thankful for on this day.
At the completion of the verse, the person holding the “thankerchief” must share out loud one thing for which they are thankful. This continues until everyone has had a turn to share. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple closer as we all should count our blessings daily and be thankful for all we have.
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Halloween Riddle Contest
Number of players: Any number
Equipment needed: List of Riddles
Activity time: 7-10 minutes
How to play:
Everyone loves to solve riddles so why not use this as a low level teambuilding activity that promotes dialog, brainstorming and will stimulate the brains of all your participants? Start by forming teams of 4 and explain that as a team they will receive 5 points for every riddle that their group is able to correctly guess. Points can also be given to groups that come up with and can explain a creative answer that would also work as an answer to the riddle. Read 1 riddle at a time and give groups a time limit to solve the riddle. With Halloween just around the corner, the riddles provided below have a Halloween theme, but you can use this activity at any time with any type of riddle. Your right brains are going to love this one – have fun!!!
· Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? (answer: He didn’t have the guts)
· What do skeletons say before they begin dining? (answer: Bone appetite!)
· What do ghosts serve for dessert? (answer: Ice Scream)
· When is it bad luck to meet a black cat? (answer: When you’re a mouse)
· What do you call a skeleton who won't work? (answer: Lazy bones)
· What kind of music do mummies listen to? (answer: Wrap)
· Where do baby ghosts go during the day? (answer: Day-scare Centers)
· Why don't skeletons like parties? (answer: The have no body to dance with)
· What kind of mistakes do spooks make? (answer: Boo boos)
· What do the birds sing on Halloween? (answer: Twick or Tweet)
· Who won the skeleton beauty contest? (answer: No body)
· What type of dogs do vampires like best? (answer: Bloodhounds)
· How does a ghost cry? (answer: Boo-hoo)
· What kind of key should you always take to a haunted house? (answer: A skeleton key)
· What do you get when you cross a vampire with a snowman? (answer: Frostbite)
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Swap Knots
Number of players: Any number in even numbered groups
Equipment needed: 4 Short ropes per group
Activity time: 15-20 minutes
How to play:
Begin by making groups of 8, 10, or 12 members each. Give each group 1 piece of three-foot rope per two participants. Once this is done, instruct participants to put these ropes on the floor so that they criss-cross each other creating an asterisk like shape (this will be both the beginning position and ending position of the activity). Once this is completed, invite all participants in the group to take hold of one end of one of the ropes. Allow each group 2-3 minutes to tangle the ropes as much as possible without ever letting go of the end of their rope. At the end of the time, ask the teams to carefully place the tangled ropes on the floor so that the ends of the ropes can be seen. Now, it's time to "swap knots!" Have each group move to another team's tangle, individually grab onto the end of one of the ropes and as a group, try to untangle the ropes. A group is successful when they are able to put the ropes back into the original asterisk starting position.
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