Can't Miss Games and Activities for Youth Development

Looking for ways to foster teamwork? This program (subtitled “Proven Accessible Tools for Educators and Group Leaders”) demonstrates a number of activities that have proven to be successful in developing cooperation, communication, and what the cover text refers to as “healthy competition” and “the common good.” Developed and presented by Ezra Holland (an expert in workforce development and a faculty member in the business school at Endicott College in Massachusetts) and Dr. Bill Michaelis (professor emeritus at San Francisco State University and a leadership development consultant), Can't Miss Games and Activities for Youth Development is based on hundreds of workshops the pair have conducted over several decades. The activities are divided into two categories—“Cooperative Team Building” and “Low Key Competitive”—but all contain common elements: simple instructions; little or no cost; suitability for a wide range of skill levels; and a balance between challenge and fun (and group members are given the opportunity to practice before being called upon to perform the actual maneuvers). A fine model for helping people to feel confident about the basics of teamwork before asking them to take things to the next level, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block)