COMMUNITY AND TEAMBUILDING GAMES

Pick-up Cup

Age: 5 and up
Group Size: 4 or more
Space: Enough space for groups of 4 to 9 to sit in a circle on the floor or around a table
Supplies: Paper cups (6 or more per group of 6), rubber bands, string
Special Notes: This is one of the few games that kids who have a really hard time cooperating can cooperate while playing.

Directions
This game works best with small groups of 5 to 7 people, but can be done with as few as 3 and as many as 9. Before playing this game, the rubber bands and string need to be prepared. Once the number of small groups and number of people in each group has been determined, cut one 8-10” piece of string for each person, tying one end to the rubber band so that each small group will get one rubber band with as many strings tied to it as there are people in the small group. Place the cups rim down and separated within the playing space. Depending on the age of the group, challenge the group to stack the cups or build pyramids. No one may touch the rubber band, any one else or the cups, and each person has to hold their end of the string. With each person pulling and relaxing their strings, the group can expand the rubber band enough to pick up the cups and move them. Challenge the group to complete the task without talking.

Variation
To significantly increase the challenge and group building skills, blindfold everyone holding the strings and have non-blindfolded people standing behind them giving verbal directions.

 Clock

Age: 5 and up
Group Size: 4 or more
Space: Enough space for groups of 4 to 9 to sit in a circle on the floor or around a table
Supplies: None
Purpose: Creative group problem solving

Directions
Ask the small groups to sit in a circle holding hands. Establish one person to be twelve o’clock . When twelve o’clock calls “go” the group must, with out letting go of hands, must stand up and walk clockwise in a circle until everyone is in the same spot they began in and then quickly sit down. Do this a few times to see how quickly the group can do it. To make it more challenging, the group must walk a complete circle clockwise and then counter clockwise before sitting down.

Processing
How did you solve this problem? What was the easiest part of this exercise? Why? What was the most difficult? Why? How did your group communicate the appropriate time to sit? Did you feel frustrated during the exercise? How did you work through the frustrations? If you did this challenge again, what would you do differently? (Repeat this activity if group would like to try another method for solving the problem.)

 Toilet Paper Game

Age: 7 and up (younger if done with a mixed age group)
Group Size: 10 or more
Space: Enough space for the group to form two or more single file lines of 5 to 20 people or one large circle
Supplies: two rolls of toilet paper
Special Notes: Not a very environmentally sound game

Directions
This game can be done in a circle as a group, or in two teams, depending on the group and group size. Once everyone is in a circle or two single-file lines, the game can begin. The person at the head of the line or at one point in the circle holds the end of the roll while the roll is unrolled going over the head of each person in the line without breaking. When the roll reaches the end of the line, or the starting point of the circle, it must be passed back, this time going through everyone’s legs, again without breaking. If at any point the roll breaks into two or more pieces, the roll must be passed to the head of the line or starting point of the circle and the team must begin the whole process again. This can be done as a race against the clock or between two or more teams.

Variation
For groups that are really good, try passing the paper over and under, so it goes over the head of the first person, between the legs of the second person, over the head of the third person and so on. To make it harder, have everyone close their eyes.

 Candy Arm Wrestle

Age: 6 and up
Group Size: 4 or more
Space: Enough room for the group to move around in, it is helpful to have tables and enough chairs for everyone
Supplies: Small treat, such as chocolate chip, raspberries, cookies, etc.
Special Notes: This is a fantastic short game that introduces the concept of cooperation very well.

Directions
Have the group form pairs. Explain that in this game, the goal is to win as much candy (or whatever) as possible. Candy is awarded as a result of points won. Demonstrate what each pair is supposed to do: Grasp right or left hands with the elbows on the table or floor (the traditional arm wrestling position, but don’t say that, just demonstrate it). Every time your partner’s hand touches the ground you get a point, and every time your hand touches the ground your partner gets a point. Explain that when the leader says go, everyone will have 15 seconds to get as many points as possible. For each point won, that person will receive a chocolate chip (or one cookie for every 5 points). Each person is responsible for counting his or her own points. No one is allowed to talk. Make sure that no pairing is such that anyone will get hurt. Give the group 15 seconds.