5) Pass the Can

Supplies:
* 2 coffee cans or similar containers (keep one hidden)
* water (keep this hidden 'til later)

How to play:
Have group form a circle, sitting on the ground. Explain to the group that they must pass a can around the circle without dropping it. The can must get to each person. Everyone can help, but their butts must remain in the same spot.Then explain that they must only use their feet. Let the group try this until they perfect it. Then add a second can, headed the opposite direction, so that at some point, they must cross over. Tell them it has to cross over twice. This keeps the whole group engaged. After this is is perfected, take one can back, and put a little water- enough that no one would want it to spill, in the remaining can. For the final step, have the group pass both cans with some water (not enough to make it heavy).

Strategy:
Usually, the first round becomes easy when one person proudly comes up with the "brilliant" idea of sticking his or her foot in the can and passing it upside down. But when the water is added, they suddenly realize that the "perfect solution" won't work anymore. From here on out, it takes full concentration- and often several attempts before the cans of water make it all the way around. The way to success most often occurs when people on either side of the one passing and the one receiving, use their feet to help guide the can. Do not offer this solution, however. It may take ten tries, but they'll get it.

Purpose:
Group/Team Dynamics. This game challenges everyone to think of solutions to a seemingly impossible task, and when they figure it out on their own, it helps them to recognize their own ability to seek and find solutions, if they persist, as they work together.