REACH Youth Reflections

After a full day of kayaking, REACH youth and volunteers share their intentions and new learning during a closing reflection circle late this summer. The ability to critically reflect on experiences in life is a trademark of successful people who embrace the idea that we're all lifelong learners. Along with physical challenges and time spent exploring nature, REACH provides opportunities for introspection, contemplative solo time, and group reflection. Participants begin to understand that the learning does not stop when the task is complete. Before, during and after each REACH session, youth participants engage in guided activities and discussions to help process their experience. Skilled questioning with careful analysis is needed to ensure meaningful learning is taking place, which can then be distilled into concrete learning outcomes and applied to future life situations.