How Sit Spot Cards Help Boys Open Their Hearts

Some of the most important things boys need to say are the things they never say out loud. That’s why sit spot cards for boys have become such a meaningful part of the Kids Outdoor Zone experience.

In this week’s KOZ Raw, TJ Greaney sits down with KOZ leader Kirk Stewart from Galesburg, Illinois, to share a story that reminds us why quiet moments matter—and how God can use something as simple as a handwritten prayer request to change a life.

What Is a Sit Spot?

If you’re new to KOZ, a sit spot is a dedicated quiet moment at the end of a group gathering. Boys are encouraged to step away from the noise—whether that’s under a tree, in the woods, or even sitting quietly on the tailgate of a pickup truck—and reflect.

Each boy writes down:

One thing he learned that day
One thing the leaders can be praying for

At first, the requests might seem simple. However, that’s often where deeper trust begins.

“Pray for my hot dog.” That may sound funny – in KOZ, boys can and will be boys. But this time matters to the boys and teaches them to slow down, reflect, and express what’s on their hearts. It creates trust and over time those simple (and sometimes funny) prayers often turn into deeper requests:

Pray for my mom
Pray for my dad
Pray for my grandmother
Pray for stress at home
Pray for school

These quiet moments often reveal what boys don’t know how to say out loud.

A KOZ Story You Couldn’t Script

At the 17th Annual KOZ Gala, guests had the opportunity to walk through a special display centered around prayer.

An olive tree—originally used as part of The Chosen set design—stood as a visual centerpiece. Hanging from its branches were anonymous sit spot cards submitted by KOZ groups from around the country.

Guests stopped to read them, and many prayed over the cards throughout the evening.

One of those cards came from a boy in Kirk Stewart’s KOZ group named Gabe. Kirk recognized it immediately. But what happened next was something no one could have planned. The night after the Gala, Kirk received a message from one of his leaders:

“Gabe is interested in getting baptized.”

A short time later, Gabe called Kirk personally. During that conversation, Kirk explained what baptism means and opened Gabe’s KOZ Bible with him. Together, they walked through scripture, and that night Gabe gave his life to Jesus. Then Gabe said something every KOZ leader needs to hear: “I want to be baptized at KOZ because KOZ is where I heard about Jesus.”

That’s the mission. Showing up consistently changes lives. Even quiet moments can become life-changing opportunities.

Why Quiet Reflection Matters for Boys

Boys live in a loud, distracted world where quiet reflection is rare. As a result, many don’t have safe spaces to process emotions, ask questions, or talk about what’s happening at home. Creating intentional moments of quiet reflection helps boys:

Build emotional awareness: many boys struggle to name what they’re feeling. Writing it down helps.
Learn how to pray: prayer can feel intimidating at first. Simple requests become meaningful conversations over time.
Build trust with mentors: when leaders consistently pray over those cards, boys begin to understand they’re seen and cared for.
Hear from God: stillness creates room for spiritual growth.

How KOZ Leaders Can Make Sit Spots More Meaningful

If you lead a KOZ group, don’t rush this part. Sit spots are not filler time. They’re ministry.

A few practical reminders:

Teach boys how to sit quietly
Give clear instructions
Take every card seriously
Pray over those requests throughout the month
Encourage honesty, even if the request seems small

The goal isn’t polished spirituality; rather, it’s helping boys learn how to honestly open their hearts.

What KOZ Is Really About

Adventure, outdoor skills, and structured programs all have value. However, relationships are what truly change lives. KOZ creates environments where boys can be themselves, ask hard questions, and encounter godly men who consistently show up. Sometimes that starts with a campfire, sometimes with a conversation, and sometimes with a simple sit spot card hanging from a tree.

Watch this week’s KOZ Raw to hear the full story.

Regulators, Mount Up!