- What does the curriculum include?
- Where will we go?
- What are the qualifications for taking a DTS with YWAM?
- Do I have to be bilingual to attend the bilingual DTS?
- Where will I live?
- What does a regular week look like?
- How will I know if I am accepted?
- What should I bring?
Meet the current DTS
Upcoming DTS Dates:
January 5, 2012 * bilingual English/Spanish DTS
August 29, 2012
January 9, 2013
Requirements: DTS Applicants must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and a desire to know God and make Him known!
Training Schools Menu
The Discipleship Training SchoolThe DTS is a five month, hands-on Christian training program with a 12 week lecture phase followed by an 8 week outreach. YWAM's DTS provides you with an opportunity to take time away from the normal pressures and routine of life so you have that time to focus entirely on Jesus. The program teaches you how to build an intimate relationship with God and understand Him more deeply, develop personal character and identify your unique gifts, and lead a lifestyle of expressing God's love to others.
It's a Cross-cultural ExperienceThe DTS is also a great place to make new friends from around the world as you live and learn together in community. We emphasize cross-cultural exposure and global awareness, and this environment creates a basis for an intimate and passionate relationship with God and his children so you can boldly go and "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). But DTS is only the beginning. Once trained, you qualify to apply for many more opportunities with YWAM including staff positions and other YWAM training programs. Pray about it. Maybe five months with us here in Chico is part of God’s exciting plan for your life!
The Bilingual DTSThe winter term DTS will have a special focus--it will be bilingual. Every class, school activity and meeting will have translation from Engish to Spanish or vice-versa. Praise and worship, prayer and intercession times will also have a mix of language and culture.
This bilingual DTS is perfect for those from the Spanish-speaking world, people who have a calling to Latin America or Spain, or anyone who wants a multicultural YWAM experience.
It is not necessary that you speak both languages to attend this DTS. However, don't be surprised if you leave the school speaking both!
DTS OutreachThe outreach phase is the time to apply the things you've learned in class, and share Jesus with people in a country you’ve probably never been to before. This is a time that will challenge you, but in the end, you will be stronger and closer to God.
Where will I 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.
DTS students will live in a dormitory with shared living areas. All meals during the school are served in our hotel dining room.
Click here for a virtual tour of our campus
What does a regular DTS week look like?A typical weekly schedule includes worship and intercession, small groups and one-on-one time with school staff, dynamic teaching, service assignments alongside full-time YWAM missionaries, and devotional time with God.
You'll also have plenty of time to spend with other students and to get to know our missionary staff.
Some weekends have scheduled activities. Sundays are open for you to find a local church to join with in worship and fellowship.
Click here for a list of local congregations
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 DTS 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 DTS 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 DTS, you will receive a more detailed list of what to (and what not to) bring.
My masks are gone
“It’s totally changed me from the inside out. I had so many masks—they’re gone. I was fake, but now I love to be free, being who I am truly, honestly. I’m free! DTS opened my eyes.”
Angela, Kazakstan
Knowing God
"For me, DTS is about knowing who God is and how He displays His love to us and other people. It's been about developing a relationship with Him."
David, California
Building relationships
"Here in Chico it definitely feels like family. Everybody was so friendly and happy to see us. Building up relationships with all the people here and learning from them was cool."
Elise, The Netherlands
Local Outreach
"We have a downtown outreach every week where we get to build relationships with the homeless people there. You get to know their names and they get to know you so you really get the chance to disciple them and not just evangelize."
Kaylan, California