1)  How did this experience assist you in identifying your goals and developing areas of growth?

Participating in hiking trips helped me realize the importance of physical and mental. The challenges of navigating difficult trails and enduring long hikes made me aware of my current fitness level and made me realize the need for continuous improvement. This experience led me to set personal goals related to improving my endurance, strength, and mental toughness, which are important not only in hiking but in other areas of my life as well.

2) What challenges did you have in this experience? Which skills did you develop?

One of the main challenges during the hikes was managing my tiredness and staying motivated when the route became difficult.  I also did not have the lung capacity required to hike long distances uphill, which was one of my biggest struggles near the beginning. To overcome this, I developed skills in pacing myself and maintaining a positive mindset even when the trail seemed overwhelming. I also learned the importance of planning and preparation, such as bringing the right gear and supplies, which are extremely important for successfully completing long hikes.

3) What did you learn by initiating your CAS experience/project that you can use again?

By initiating my hiking experiences, I learned the importance of preparation and research. Understanding the trail, weather conditions, and potential challenges beforehand allowed me to better anticipate and tackle obstacles. This is likely to help me later in life where planning and preparation are very important skills to have. 

4) How did you show commitment and perseverance? In what ways did you gain skills?

My commitment and perseverance were demonstrated through my consistent participation in hikes, even when faced with difficult weather conditions or physically demanding trails. Pushing through these challenges helped me build stamina and begin to enjoy the hikes instead of getting discouraged midway through. Each hike was an opportunity to improve my navigation skills, as well as my ability to adapt to unexpected changes in the environment.

5) In what ways did you gain skills of working collaboratively?

Hiking in a group allowed me to develop teamwork and communication skills. We had to work together to navigate trails, share resources like water and snacks, and support each other during tough stretches of the hike. This experience taught me the importance of cooperation and support, since our success as a group depended on everyone contributing and looking out for one another.

6)  Which issues of global significance are you engaged with in making decisions and taking actions?

Hiking increased my awareness of environmental conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats. By picking up stray litter on the trail and making sure we do not leave any of our own litter behind, I am contributing to the effort to preserve nature for future generations of hikers at my school. These actions reflect my commitment to combatting the broader issue of environmental sustainability.

7) How are you recognizing and considering the ethics of choices and actions in this experience?

Ethical considerations during hiking could include respecting wildlife, minimising the environmental impacts, and helping to ensure the safety and well-being of all the hikers. I made efforts to be ethical while hiking, such as staying on marked trails to prevent scaring wild animals and carrying out all litter. This experience taught me the importance of making ethical choices that protect the environment and the safety of those around me.