- What is a BLS?
- What does the curriculum include?
- Where will I go?
- Where will I live?
- What does a regular week look like?
- Is there school for my kids?
- How will I know if I'm accepted?
- What will I need to bring?
- Meet the current BLS
Please note that the BLS is a secondary school and applicants must have completed a DTS or CDTS prior to applying.
Upcoming BLS Dates:
August 22, 2012
January 2, 2013
August 21, 2013
Registration Fee:
$50 single
$80 per couple
(The registration fee must be sent in with the application)
Lecture Fees: $2500
Outreach Fees: $2,600-$3,200
Still have more questions? Feel free to email us here.
Training Schools Menu
What is a BLS?The Basic Leadership School is a hands-on leadership training that runs alongside the DTS and teaches you the basics of discipleship. In the BLS you will learn the skills of leading small groups, coordinating outreaches and ... Along with daily class time with the DTS, you will have focused discussion times with your fellow students. Opportunities abound within the school to put to practice what you will learn. Our schools are kept small enough to give opportunity for one-on-one interaction between students and staff members.
Endless opportunities for growth and development
The first 12-week phase is based on a "live - learn" philosophy and includes a variety of learning opportunities such as lecture times in a classroom setting, round-table discussions, assignments, worship & intercession, living together in community, shared meals, practical service projects around campus, social events and more. Speakers come in each week to teach topics that promote spiritual growth, encourage students in their Christian life, and challenge us all to go deeper with God.
Small Groups
You will assist a staff member in leading a small group of DTS students, which meet once or twice a week to discuss lectures, life and other happenings, and sometimes just to relax and get to know each other. This is a great opportunity to help them process what they are learning, as you develop important listening skills, which are essential to leadership. You'll also have the opportunity to get to know the people in the DTS in a deeper and more meaningful way.
BLS OutreachThe 8-week outreach immediately follows the training time in Chico. Students will learn by staff modeling how to plan and lead an outreach, and will be given the opportunity to direct a portion of the outreach themselves. The field assignment is a required part of the course, and applicants should be prepared to complete both the lecture and outreach phases of the school in order to be accepted.
Where in the world will we go?Outreach locations vary from school to school, but our lates outreach locations have been Fiji, Romania and Guatemala.
Every outreach is different, depending on where it is. Types of ministry depend on the needs of the local situations, but there will always be a focus on evangelism.
Where will we live?From a resort hotel built in 1923 to a comprehensive campus that covers nearly 500 acres and includes more than 80 buildings, YWAM Chico is a pedestrian-friendly campus nestled in a beautiful canyon, with many open spaces and a park-like environment that enhances the natural beauty of the canyon ridges, woods and creeks.
Our campus provides something for everyone. From miles of hiking trails to tennis and volleyball courts to our Olympic-sized swimming pool, there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our expansive grounds provide ample space for spending time alone with God, or hanging out with people, or just getting away from it all. The hotel lobby has sitting areas, WiFi, a store and a snack bar. You can visit our prayer room and soak in God's presence, or jam in worship.
BLS students will live in a dormitory house with shared living areas. Our campus provides adecuate housing for families. All meals during the school are served in our hotel dining room.
What does a regular week look like?A typical weekly schedule includes worship and intercession, dynamic teaching, and small groups with the DTS. BLS students also have separate teaching and discussion times and one-on-one time with school staff, service assignments, and devotional time with God.
Some weekends have scheduled activities. Sundays are open for you to find a local church to join with in worship and fellowship.
How will I know if I'm accepted?Notification of acceptance is given upon receiving all your required forms. Once accepted, you will receive a list of what to bring, visa information and other specifics. Since the BLS has limited space and staff, it is not always possible to accommodate everyone who applies. Whenever possible, applicants are referred to other training centers or given the option of waiting for an opening in the following school.
What will I need to bring?What you may bring to your BLS may vary, depending on different factors, such as season, outreach destination, etc. Every student should have a valid passport, and foreign students should have any necessary visas.
You will have shared living areas, and especially on outreach, may have limited living and travelling space, so it is always a good idea to pack lightly. Once accepted to the BLS, you will receive a more detailed list of what to (and what not to) bring.
Leading Like Christ
"DTS was an incredible experience to get my faith grounded in Christ. BLS brings what’s inside of you to a level consistent with the way Jesus led, and [helps you] to be able to be a godly leader, and start walking in that, and learn how to become a servant."
Joe, BC, Canada
Read our blog here to keep up with the news of our outreach.
University of the Nations CreditsStudents completing BLS can receive credits from YWAM's University of the Nations (U of N).
