There are several options regarding the topic of your reflection paper.  If the class participates in a community event such as a beach cleanup, and you help, you may write a two page paper reflecting on the experience.  Be sure to include details about the event (such as: date, location, purpose, and result).  If you join one of the several sessions during the semester in which students spend a few hours weeding and cleaning up the Zen Garden, you can reflect on that experience.  If you have any suggestions on how the Zen Garden can be improved, please include those in your paper.  Service hours can be earned for participating in either of these events if the proper paperwork is completed before the event.

            A final possibility for the reflection paper is one that can be done on your own, at a time that is convenient for you.  Go to the park of your choice.  It can be a national park, a state park, or just a small community park.  Spend a couple hours enjoying the park’s atmosphere.  Before leaving, spend at least 20 minutes picking up any litter that you find on the ground, and deposit it in a proper trash receptacle.  (You might want to bring work gloves.)  While cleaning up the park, note any reactions that you get for your efforts by other park visitors.  Does anyone ask what you are doing?  Does anyone offer to help?  Does anyone disparage your efforts?  In your reflection paper, include the name and location of the park.  Also, describe the park.  Are there recreational facilities?  Are there areas for sports events?  Does it have a playground?  Are there areas that are left in a more natural state?  Are there many people visiting the park?  You may also include a history of the park.  Reflect on your experience at the park.  Do you think parks are worthwhile, or could that real estate be put to better use?  What does the park mean to you?  Finally, describe the reactions you observed from others to your cleanup efforts (if any).  Are people supportive, curious, critical, or indifferent?