Young person stepping out of comfort zone

Bringing Students To Their Stretch Zone

My time spent at a Christian outdoor adventure camp in Auburn, Washington, was packed full of lots of learning, healing, and growth. One source of learning came from a booklet all camp counselors were given at the beginning of Summer. It outlined Bible studies for the summer, fun games to play with the kids, and also tools to help encourage the students throughout the week. One of my favorite outlines explained the Comfort Zone, Stretch Zone, and Panic Zone. 

Comfort Zone

Our comfort zones are where we feel safe and secure. All is known to us and there is no need to fear or worry, because we feel like we have control. While this sounds nice, the comfort zone can be deceiving. We are never challenged in our comfort zones, never encouraged to ask questions or grow. Students who are used to living in their comfort zone often have difficulty embracing change. These individuals surround themselves with others who acknowledge or accept their choices, and avoid or push away those who oppose their way of thinking. I often wonder if this is where the rich young ruler Jesus talks about in Matthew 19. 

“Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

Matthew 19:21-22 NIV

This young man’s life in the comfort zone made following Jesus so uncomfortable that he turned away. This can be the case for young students as well, which is why it’s important to encourage them to find their stretch zone. 

Stretch Zone

When I think about stretch zones, I think about Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on the water (Matthew 14:29). Peter had never walked on water before, but he knew Jesus and trusted in Him. His willingness to step out of the boat directly reflected his faith in Christ. That IS the stretch zone. In the stretch zone, we may no longer recognize what we’re doing, and we are well aware of our lack of control. Yet, we are fully reliant upon God in this space to lead us each step, and that is what produces growth. 

Each student’s stretch zone looks different for them. During my time at camp, here are a few I observed:

  • Going down the zipline
  • Answering questions during Bible study
  • Participating in a group game
  • Sharing their testimony
  • Asking their friends for help in a game
  • Trying something new
  • Accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Every single one of these students stepped into their stretch zone and grew in these moments. As the adults in their lives, it’s important to learn how to encourage them without pushing them too hard. 

Panic Zone

Our panic zone is where we find ourselves when we’ve overestimated our ability to do hard things. Our brains have reached the level of fight, flight, or freeze and are no longer processing information. Unfortunately, as a Christian counselor for teens I often see adolescents who have made their panic zone their comfort zone. Far too often, they’re so used to chaos that to create peace feels foreign and scary. In these circumstances, I am able to create a safe space in my office for individuals to come and, at their own pace, lay their walls down. 

In order for an individual to participate in their stretch zone, you must first de-escalate their panic zone

Focusing on breathing techniques to cut through panic and establishing trust can help build a foundation of peace. Only after the individual has calmed down can they determine what steps are within their stretch zone. It is important to note, it is not for us to judge someone else’s stretch zone! Only to support them in seeking the Lord within it, and celebrate with them when they’ve found the growth through it.

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