4-H Delivers

Have Team Building Games...Will Travel

The Issue

One of the essential elements of effective 4-H development programs is belonging. Youth need to know that others care about them, and they should feel connected to other members of a group. However, this feeling of belonging is often absent in new and unfamiliar situations. Youth feel intimidated or overwhelmed, and teamwork is inhibited. As 4-H members know, icebreakers are great ways of breaking tension, but many such games are overused. 4-Hers are constantly searching for new activities.

What has 4-H Done?

Placer County youth recruited delegates from six other counties. These delegates compiled a comprehensive list of icebreakers. Each county submitted 8 teambuilding games, 2 skits, and 2 songs. In order to find unique icebreakers, youth pulled from their own experiences, asked others, and researched online. Ultimately, these songs, skits, and games were compiled in a professional workbook titled “Have Team Building Games… Will Travel.” This book includes instructions for each activity, along with information such as space needed, group size, and objective. The workbook was distributed to each contributing county, and the group is in the process of printing more. In addition to creating the workbook, all delegates were invited to a weekend retreat held in Shasta County. Each contributor shared their icebreakers and teambuilding activities with the other delegates. Also, several delegates presented a session at the State Leadership Conference to share their new knowledge with other 4-Hers.

The Payoff

These icebreakers promote creative and analytical thinking. They help unite groups by fostering teamwork and cooperation. These activities encourage youth to make friends and have fun. They provide a great preface for more intense group discussions and activities because they create a comfortable and accepting environment. The games, songs, and skits compiled in the “Have Team Building Games… Will Travel” workbook have already been used at many county, sectional, and state 4-H events. Their effect has extended to programs other than 4-H as well. In 2008, the group won a 4-H Golden Clover Award for their project. http://www.ca4h.org/4hresource/ir/goldenclover/2008/index.asp

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Student Assistant