Great Group Games: 175 Boredom-Busting, Zero-Prep Team Builders for All Ages [Paperback]

Susan Ragsdale (Author), Ann Saylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2007

Whether it’s the kick-off of an event, a 20-minute gap between functions, or an all-day or multiday retreat, this sourcebook suggests a wide array of solutions for keeping young people upbeat, engaged, and unified. Offering icebreakers, “straight-up” games, and reflection activities, the book provides instructions for staging meaningful, fun interactions that encourage participants to think. Games are organized in sections identifying various stages of group-building, ranging from establishing foundational relationships and building upon them to transitions and celebrations. Among the games included are: Change Over—turn a tarp completely over while always remaining on the tarp; Common Ground—Which team has the most in common?; and You’re a Star—team members guess whose celebrity name is on their backs. Details on timing and supplies are also featured for each activity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Encourage cooperation and develop team spirit with the activities in this book."  —Learning

Any opportunity we have to promote asset building, team building, and create awareness is one we should be taking. This book is a powerful tool."  —Kim Graham, founder and president of Teen Intervention (North Carolina)

"An excellent handbook to remind us of the importance of play to learning about all the important lessons of life."  —Sue Allen, executive director, Wisconsin Positive Youth Development Initiative, Inc.

"An easy reference for group leaders to find just the right 'lesson.''  —Doralee Ely, 4-H youth development regional specialist, University of Missouri Extension Services

"I encourage anyone who wants to have fun in productive ways with youth to make this a part of their library."  —Pam Garza, director, National Youth Development Learning Network

"Great ideas for getting a workshop, meeting, or retreat off to a good start."  —Alice Ann Moore, director, 4-H youth development, University of Tennessee

"This wonderful resource book is chock full of playful yet effective ways to form trust and develop community!"  —Rick Jackson, codirector, Center for Courage & Renewal, Bainbridge Island, Washington

"Helps kids to just be kids and learn important lessons while building essential developmental assets."  —Sharon Williams, teen membership and program specialist, YMCA of the U.S.A.

About the Author

Susan Ragsdale and Ann Saylor are nationally recognized trainers and program consultants in the youth and community development field. As cofounders of the Center for Asset Development, they have equipped youth and adults in agencies such as the YMCA of the USA, Americorps, and the Tennessee Department of Health. They are the coauthors of Building Character from the Start, Great Group Games for Kids, and Ready to Go Service Projects. Susan Ragsdale lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Ann Saylor lives in Pleasant View, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Search Institute Press (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574821962
• ISBN-13: 978-1574821963
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Increasing motivation in inmates, January 30, 2009

By 

Amber (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great Group Games: 175 Boredom-Busting, Zero-Prep Team Builders for All Ages (Paperback)

I was thrilled to come across Great Group Games. I am a Substance Abuse Counselor at a maximum security Women's Prison. The women I work with are receiving treatment and therapy for their addiction problems. I have used this book to foster team work, increase motivation and teach the women how to have fun in healthy ways without the use of mind-altering substances. We have experienced much laughter and joy in an otherwise dark environment due to the creative ideas in this book. And the best part is, there is no need to prep for these activities-- they are already laid out clearly and have proven to be very therapeutic... not just for inmates, but for staff!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I HATE GAMES!!, January 5, 2009

By 

T. Brown (Nshville Tn) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Group Games: 175 Boredom-Busting, Zero-Prep Team Builders for All Ages (Paperback)

Yes, as an educator, I have always hated group games and have resisted including them as part of my class activities even when they could have been extremely beneficial. After working with Ann and Susan, seeing their brilliance in working with both small and large groups, I realized that I needed to open my mind to the power and value of group games. I was thrilled when they decided to share with the world what they had been doing for years with great success. This book is a MUST for anyone wanting quick, easy games for groups of all levels and all sizes.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Selection of Games and De-Briefing Sessions!, September 22, 2007

By 

Sarah D. Allen "Pastor Sarah" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Group Games: 175 Boredom-Busting, Zero-Prep Team Builders for All Ages (Paperback)

As a pastor for Youth and Children, I am always looking for new and creative games. This book is a wonderful resource for "just-for-fun" games as well as for trust-building games. The de-briefing that is included after every game has insightful questions for all ages. I have used many of these games with both elementary age children as well as youth with great success. It has many of the classics as well as great new games and I recommend it to those needing to add some games to their repetoire.