So, You Wanna Be a Playa? A guide to cooperative games for social exchange

Games can play an important role in children’s lives. Cooperative games, those which emphasize participation rather than defeating an opponent, and initiative games, those that demonstrate and teach leadership skills, can help children learn by doing – in a fun and non-exclusionary manner.

The types of games and activities in this manual can be used to break down inhibitions and discomfort in a group preparing to participate in an activity for social change (for example). They can also help break up a long day of learning, invigorate the mind, relieve stress, and inspire creativity. This manual is especially suited for a facilitator about to engage a group, start a program or project, or to develop a sense of team and community within a group.