When it comes time to do a DTS, where should you go? What are the best YWAM bases? There are some great places to do a DTS…and some that are not so great. Beyond comparing the various instagram accounts, here are 3 things to look for when deciding on a YWAM center to do your DTS.
What is the vision of the YWAM center you are thinking about doing a DTS with? What are they all about? What outreach projects do they have? It's important that you feel like you fit and are excited with the vision of the YWAM center. If you're looking to go on a specific kind of outreach project, make sure the YWAM base has that type of ministry or works with that particular group of people. If that YWAM location doesn’t work with a specific people or have the focus you are looking for... make sure that they are a place that gives room for NEW things to happen!
Look for a YWAM center that is innovative, creative, and loves stepping out in obedience to what God is speaking. After all, Darlene Cunningham (the co-founder of YWAM) defines YWAM as:
"Young people going everywhere, doing new things in creative and different ways."
If YWAM is all about young people going everywhere, doing new things in creative and different ways, like Darlene says... there better not just be young people at a YWAM center, but young people also being released in leadership and responsibility. When we say young we mean roughly under 25.
A YWAM center that makes space for the younger generation, makes space for growth and creativity. If a DTS is all about growing with God, it is important to know that there is space to make mistakes and not be perfect. A YWAM center without young people often lacks the ability for people to "go and do NEW things in new ways."
Find a YWAM center that is communicating and sharing about what they are doing! And a YWAM location that answers your messages in helpful ways!
What is this YWAM location talking about on social media? What is they writing in their newsletters? How helpful is their email communication?
If a YWAM center is not talking about its programs or projects, it might not be a place where anything is happening. A YWAM center with nothing happening... is not a great place to do a DTS. A YWAM location with quality communication shows what it is doing, the lives it is impacting, and helps you get more of an idea of what your DTS will be like and what sorts of projects you will have the opportunity to work with.