Cooperative games for teens and adults go beyond fun, they build trust, empathy, and real-world collaboration skills. Whether in classrooms, youth programs, or team settings, these activities invite participants to communicate, problem-solve, and connect on a deeper level.
Cooperative Games
for Teens and Adults
Fortunately, Unfortunately
Directions: This game is like the Infinite Story Game described above. Except in this case, players begin their part of the story either with the word “Fortunately” or “Unfortunately.” They then proceed to tell a fortunate or unfortunate development in the story line. Fortunate and Unfortunate parts of the story alternate.
For example, Player 1 could say: “Unfortunately, when the man crossed the street, he stepped on a banana peel.” Player 2: Fortunately, he didn’t fall when he stepped on the peel. Player 3: Unfortunately, the man skated on the banana peel all the way across the street…” Player 4: Fortunately, there were no cars driving on the street at that time…” Player 5: Unfortunately, the man crashed into an ice cream cart parked along the curb…” Player 6: Fortunately, the man crashed into an ice cream cone and got to taste the best vanilla ice cream he ever had….”
Notes: This is a fun-for-all ages game. It can get quite silly! At the same time, it can be a creative challenge and a good exercise for thinking on your feet.
Echoes of Freedom
Players stand in a circle. Facilitator explains that the point of the game is to explore the concept of a “co-liberation game” where the goal is lifting players up to foster shared joy, self-expression, trust, and freedom. The group stands in a circle moving as they like, perhaps standing still, stretching, or swaying comfortably. When a player is ready, they enter the circle and express the concept of freedom in some way that is meaningful to them. For example, they could make a gesture that represents freedom, make a noise, sing, dance, or describe a historic event that epitomizes freedom. The group echoes the expression back to them by repeating what the volunteer has done. The volunteer leaves the circle, and it is time for another player to demonstrate what freedom means to them.
Trust Fall
Directions: A small group stands in a circle should-to-shoulder while a volunteer stands in the middle. When the volunteer and group are ready, the volunteer falls with arms at his side and feet in place into the surrounding ring of friends. Needless to say, this builds trust.
Notes: Take common sense precautions with this game: play it on a soft surface and don’t play the game with players who you do not trust to carefully catch and hold the falling volunteer. It can take quite a bit of strength to support a volunteer who really trusts and lets go, so please be sure your group is up to the task!
In Musical Memory Builder, each player makes a musical sound when it’s his turn. The game is over when everyone in the circle has had a chance to add a musical sound and the entire group repeats the string of musical sounds as a grand finale. All together, the slaps, whistles, claps, etc. will make an improv musical phrase!
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