Challenge by Choice: Why It Matters for Young People

At My Summit ABTS, challenge by choice isn’t a catchphrase. It’s the way we work with young people across camps, day adventures, and Walk and Talk sessions.

Challenge by choice means young people are invited to participate — not pushed, pressured, or coerced. It means their body, voice, and boundaries are respected. Support is offered, encouragement is present, but consent matters.

This isn’t just good practice. In Queensland, it aligns directly with children’s rights and legislative obligations.

What Challenge by Choice Looks Like on Camp

Challenge shows up in everyday moments:

• joining a group activity

• jetty jumping

• swimming or getting in a kayak

• staying overnight away from home

• speaking in a group

Some young people jump straight in. Others watch. Some try briefly and step back. Some say no.

Challenge by choice means all of these responses are acceptable.

A young person might:

• observe instead of participating

• try part of an activity

• change their mind

• come back later

• decide today is not the day

That choice is respected, without consequence.

Queensland Children’s Rights and Participation

In Queensland, children’s rights are clearly recognised through legislation and policy, not just values.

Under the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), children have the right to:

• protection that is in their best interests (section 26(2))

• be treated in a way that takes account of their age, vulnerability, and developmental needs

For young people involved with Child Safety, the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) reinforces that:

• children and young people should be given opportunities to participate in decisions that affect them

• their views should be listened to and taken seriously, having regard to their age and ability

Challenge by choice is how this looks in real life.

When a young person is allowed to say yes, no, or not yet, their right to participation and dignity is being upheld.

Disability, Dignity, and Choice

Many young people we support live with disability, neurodivergence, or developmental differences.

The Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld) recognises the rights of people with disability to:

• respect for their inherent dignity

• make decisions about their own lives

• participate in ways that reflect their individual capacity and support needs

• Challenge by choice respects this by recognising that:

• capacity fluctuates

• stress and fatigue matter

• support needs change day to day

Participation should never come at the cost of safety or dignity.

Why Forced Challenge Can Cause Harm

There is a common belief that pushing young people “out of their comfort zone” builds resilience.

For many young people — particularly those with trauma histories, anxiety, or neurodivergence — forced participation can:

• activate fight, flight, or shutdown

• increase emotional distress

• damage trust with adults

• lead to escalation or withdrawal

This is not consistent with trauma-informed practice or with Queensland’s child-centered legislative framework.

At My Summit ABTS, we are not interested in compliance. We are interested in capacity, safety, and trust.

“Not Yet” Is Still Participation

One of the most important responses a young person can give is “not yet.”

When that response is respected, trust builds.

We regularly see young people:

• sit out an activity and try it later

• say no to the water and enter when ready

• observe quietly before choosing to join

That later choice only holds meaning because the earlier boundary was honoured.

Challenge by Choice Builds Trust and Safety

Many young people we work with have experienced:

• limited control over their lives

• frequent adult decision-making without consultation

• systems that reward compliance over communication

Challenge by choice restores dignity.

It tells young people:

• your voice matters

• your body gives important information

• you are allowed to choose

• you don’t have to push past distress to belong

This aligns directly with Queensland’s emphasis on child-centered, rights-based practice.

Why This Matters Beyond Camp

Challenge by choice teaches young people skills they carry with them:

• recognising their limits

• advocating for themselves

• making informed decisions

• trying again when they feel ready

For young people whose choices have often been restricted, this is foundational.

At My Summit ABTS, challenge by choice isn’t about avoiding challenge. It’s about ensuring challenge happens with consent, safety, and respect.

For us, that isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility.