R.E.E.L Decisions
Recognize. Evaluate. Exercise Control. Lead.
Helping young people pause, understand what’s happening, and choose how to respond.
R.E.E.L. Decisions is The REEL Project of California’s educational and personal-development initiative. Fishing, outdoor recreation, and mentorship create opportunities to teach and practice skills for handling emotions, pressure, conflict, and everyday choices.
Fishing and outdoor experiences provide real-world moments to practice patience, focus, and self-control. Our mentors help youth connect these moments to the choices they face in everyday life.
The R.E.E.L. Curriculum
Our program provides youth with opportunities to practice the core skills needed to navigate life's challenges with clarity and confidence.
Recognize.
Notice emotions, triggers, thoughts, and what is happening in the moment.
Evaluate.
Pause to consider options, consequences, and other people’s perspectives.
Exercise Control.
Practice regulating reactions and choosing a constructive response, especially under pressure.
Lead.
Communicate clearly, take responsibility, and make choices that reflect one’s values.
Skills We Practice
Emotional awareness and naming emotions
Identifying triggers and early warning signs
Self-regulation and the power of the pause
Sound judgment and thinking through consequences
Perspective-taking, empathy, and communication
Conflict navigation and responsible decision-making
Accountability, resilience, and leadership
Tools and Practice
Learning happens through outdoor experiences, fishing instruction, mentorship, guided discussion, activities, and reflection. Here are specific tools we use to build competence and character.
Emotion Spectrum & Trigger-Mapping
An exercise to help identify early warning signs and map out the unique triggers that affect emotional states.
The 10-Second Pause
A simple reset technique to create space between a trigger and a response, allowing for a more intentional choice.
10-10-10 Reflection
A tool for considering future consequences by reflecting on how a choice will feel in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years.
Realistic Scenarios & Role-Play
Practicing decisions under pressure through controlled role-play based on everyday life challenges youth face.
Assertive Communication
Techniques for perspective-taking and expressing needs clearly and respectfully, even in conflict.
Personal Leadership Plan
A structured reflection tool that helps youth build a personal plan for accountability and local community leadership.
Ask About R.E.E.L. Decisions
Have questions about how R.E.E.L. Decisions can support the young people in your life or organization? Reach out to us to learn more about our framework and upcoming opportunities.