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Are you considering doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS)? Not sure which one is right for you?

At YWAM Townsville, we have eight electives to choose from to help you customise your DTS experience according to what you’re passionate about.

If you’re in a place in life where you’re searching and not really sure what you’re passionate about – don’t worry, any DTS is a great place to start with discovering your unique gifts and calling. All you need is a willingness to serve others, and an open heart to wherever God might be leading you! If you have a specific background or qualification and would like to use those skills on the mission field, we will try to match that with your DTS experience. No matter what elective you choose, every DTS includes the same DNA; the same teaching topics, structure, values, live-learn environment, and transformational discipleship that is so life-changing, there are really no words to explain it.

The DTS elective you choose will determine what you do on outreach, and while they are all different, every DTS outreach ties into our greater long-term vision. So you can be rest assured that your DTS is so much more than just your experience – it is contributing toward lasting change and impact in Australia, Papua New Guinea and beyond. Ok, let’s unpack each of your options – and as you’re reading, I hope something sparks for you!

 

Global Health DTS

The Global Health DTS is great for those that have an interest in or passion for healthcare. Our Global Health DTS is suited for both medical professionals and for those who don’t have any medical skills whatsoever! Our Global Health DTS includes weekly input on disease prevention and health education for communities. Part of your outreach will be in Australia followed by a healthcare related outreach to Papua New Guinea, focusing on promoting healthy villages. This might be through teaching communities about disease prevention and health promotion or through community development projects. Your outreach could be on land or onboard our Medical Ship. If the thought of medical missions makes your heart leap, this might just be the elective for you. And, you can even take it a step further by extending your DTS into a Global Health Gap Year, read more about that here. Our Global Health DTS runs in January, April, July and October. Apply here.

 

Trekking DTS

Do you long to get off the beaten path? Are you willing to visit some of the most remote villages on earth with a message of hope? Our Trekking DTS is not for the faint of heart, it is for those that love hiking, are willing to rough it in the bush, and are up for a physical challenge. During your lecture phase, you will go through vigorous training to prepare you for the epic adventure that awaits in Papua New Guinea, the least explored country on earth! Our Trekking DTS runs in January. Apply here.

 

Youth Ministry DTS

The Youth Ministry DTS is for those that are passionate about empowering and equipping teenagers to realise their potential and live a life of purpose. The Youth Ministry DTS has outreach opportunities both in Australia and in Papua New Guinea. In Australia, suicide is the biggest killer of Australian youth, and depression is on the rise. While over in Papua New Guinea, over half of the population are under the age of 20, but only 0.7% are receiving a university education.

During the Youth Ministry DTS you may have the opportunity to work in high schools, help run mission trips specifically designed for teenagers, and work with other local youth organisations.

If you love a good food fight, and are willing to invest into the lives of teens, the Youth DTS might just be that you’re looking for. The Youth Ministry DTS runs in January, July and October. Apply here.

 

All Generations DTS

The All Generations DTS is open to all ages, even families! The All Generations DTS is a classic DTS experience that welcomes the young and old, and everyone in between. The All Generations DTS is a unique way to learn from one another while serving the world around you. The All Generations DTS includes less rigorous outreach options to suit both families and older people. If you’re keen to learn from a variety of people representing different ages, nationalities and backgrounds, the All Generations DTS is a great choice! The All Generations DTS runs in July. Apply here.

 

Media & Radio DTS

The Media & Radio DTS calls for those who are passionate about using photography, videography, radio broadcasting, and writing to share stories that inspire hope and change!

We train you in basic media and storytelling skills, before we send you on outreach to capture on the ground stories in communities in Australia or Papua New Guinea. It’s an amazing DTS for those that have experience in the media field, as well as for those that are keen to learn.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with our media hub right on campus, including our radio station that broadcasts to over 26,000 listeners every month! The Media & Radio DTS runs in January and July. Apply here.

 

Trailblazer DTS  

The Trailblazer DTS is for explorers, pioneers, and for those that crave adventure. Our Trailblazer DTS travels to new places in Papua New Guinea for future teams to visit. In addition to building relationship with the villages, the trailblazer DTS has a special focus on community development, such as water and sanitation projects, and health education.  

If the thought of learning a new culture, cooking your meal over a fire, bathing in a river, and sleeping on the ground under a mosquito net makes your heart come alive, the Trailblazer DTS may be waiting for you to join them on their next adventure! The Trailblazer DTS runs in July. Apply here.

 

 

Performing Arts DTS

The Performing Arts DTS elective is for those who have a passion for music, dance and other forms of creative arts; particularly with a Pacific Islands expression. Students on the elective will be a part of creating productions with the end goal of using it on outreach to share an important message and story.

If you are drawn to island culture and you enjoy performing arts – then this elective might just be for you! Our Performing Arts DTS runs in July, Apply here.

 

Reef to Outback DTS  

I’ve saved our very first DTS to last. The Reef to Outback DTS is where it all started for us. This is a classic Aussie DTS experience where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Aboriginal communities in local towns and the outback. Picture red dust plains, kangaroos, and Aussie battlers living in true-blue Australia.

If Australia is on your heart – the Reef to Outback DTS is for you. The Reef to Outback DTS runs in January, April and October. Apply here.

 

Still got questions?

No problem, we are here to help! Schedule a call with someone from our team and we’ll help you find the right DTS for you. Hope to see you on campus soon!

 

 

Written by Anna Scott

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

Dates
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

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Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

Dates
  • 13 April - 12 September, 2025

 

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Apply Port Moresby

Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

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Gap Year
Explore a Christian Gap Year with YWAM Medical Ships

Deepen Your Faith, Equip your Character and Make a Global Impact through missions!

Elective Focuses:

  • Hospitality
  • Global Health
  • Youth Ministry
  • Media and Radio

 

Dates

January - December 2025

 

 

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Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

Dates

26 January - 27 June 2025

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Introduction to Radio & Media

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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All Courses

Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

Learn more about our approach to training

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Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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Pathways with YWAM

We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 

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Resources

Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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For Parents

Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

Canvas Online Training

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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

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Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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School Seminars

Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

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Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

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Impact Summer

Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

High Ropes, bringing history to life, purpose driven teaching, breakfast, lunch, dinner! What more do you need?

 

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure Based Learning
Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

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Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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Advocate

Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

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Apply Now  (Port Moresby Campus)
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Mission Build
Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 
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Youth Adventures
Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

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Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
  • DTS Fees
  • Volunteer Fees
  • Tax-Deductible Donations
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Donate to support the work in Papua New Guinea
Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
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Ship Outreaches, Dental Trailer Outreaches, and more!

Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

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YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

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Support Our Volunteers
All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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Leave A Gift

Leaving a gift to YWAM in your will is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

Take Me There!
Charity Gift Shop

Join us in the vision of supporting healthy villages in Papua New Guinea by giving a tax-deductible donation that has the power to change lives!