Use these prompts to guide reflective writing that deepens self-awareness and critical thinking. Encourage writers to explore experiences, emotions, and ideas, connecting past and present to gain insight. Reflection thrives on honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to question and grow.

The following prompts are too general. They need to be adapted to a program’s specific group and educational objectives. This can be done by linking specific participant concerns (social life, career objectives, personal issues) with the activity.

1. Describe experiences from your past that make you who you are.
2. How can this experience (hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, etc.) help you in your life or career?
3. What will you remember from this experience ten years from now?
4. Is hiking an individual or a communal act?
5. What did you learn about the link between your mind and body (soul and body) from this experience?
6. How does field work help you understand insects (geography, mathematics, other cultures, etc.) in ways that classroom work cannot?