Application for Children
Application for Nanny
A Discipleship Training School can be life changing for anyone from any walk of life. For those with families, it can be very significant. Here in Lakeside, we want to make a place for those who have children. In the past we have offered the Crossroads DTS, which was created exclusively for older individuals and families. For some time now we have long desired to include everyone in the same program because of the more accurate representation of the church at large and because we want to ensure that regardless of age, this mission will always be called to champion young people. Therefore, our regular DTS tries to provide a place for families and people with more life experience. By doing this we learn and grow along side the younger students so that the diversity and strength of varying age groups can be harnessed.
YWAM has a long history of standing behind families ministering together. Our heart and intention here in Montana is to make a DTS possible even if you have a family. During the spring quarter, we can better house families and provide a staff with more life experience - many of which have families themselves. Spring is also ideal because your children would only miss 2-3 months of their regular school year. Although we do not offer a specific 'Family DTS' we do encourage families who may be applying to attend the Spring DTS for those reasons. Housing is limited but spring is usually our smallest quarter for other schools so it better suits families in DTS. We do accept families for our Fall and Winter DTS depending on housing availability.
We recognize that every family is different. There are different parenting philosophies and varying approaches to ministry that shape each family. The first thing you need to ask yourself would be, "Is my family ready to do a DTS?" It's an important question that should be realistically considered. The initial signs of readiness include a stable and healthy marriage. This is foundational for your family and if you feel like your marriage is struggling then now is not the best time to go through a DTS. Next, an honest assessment of your children would be essential. For them, signs of readiness include an ability to respect other adults, be apart from you for at least 4 hours at a time and able to accept your decision to relocate for this season (particularly helpful for older children). If you have younger children who are given to frequent tantrums or aren't accustomed to being away from you for more than a couple of hours, you may want to work on these behaviors before you come. Older children who are frequently rebellious would have difficulty as well.
Since the DTS is an intensive college-level course, you should be ready to maintain the kind of schedule that would be included in such. We are in the classroom from 8:00am -12:00 everyday and we have various activities from 1:30-3:00 each day as well. Once a week we have an evening lecture for 2 hours, and every Thursday evening we have a Community Meeting. Our expectation is that you would attend all classes and events.
Your children's daily schedule would depend upon their ages and some of your preferences. The breakdown below may visualize this for you.
| Age | Spends the Day | You need |
| 0-2 | With a Nanny (We have an equipped nursery.) | To Provide a Nanny |
| 3-5 | Morning: Base Preschool Afternoons: With a Nanny | To Provide a Nanny |
| K5 - Grade 12 | Local Public or Private School | To Enroll |
Basically, if your child is aged 0-5 you will need to bring a nanny. If your children are in Kindergarten or older, you only need a nanny if you're home-schooling. If they are in Junior High or High School you do not need a nanny, even if they are home-schooled. If they can do their own work without supervision, then this arrangement will function well. However, if they are in need of supervision throughout the day, then you should consider bringing someone to meet this need.
The nanny can be anyone you trust over 16 years old to be with your children on a daily basis. It could be a grandparent, close family friend, or teenager who isn’t in school. For a great Nanny Service who recruits nannies for missionary families, check out MissionNannys.org. Often, these nannies will serve free of charge. You are responsible for the food and lodging costs of your nanny who will stay on the base.
Additionally, you can access information on our local public schools at these links:
(Kindergarten-Grade 8)
(Grades 9-12)
Stillwater Christian School (K-12)
During your DTS we desire to encourage the spiritual growth of your child as well. For preschoolers, this means offering a Bible-based Pre School that endeavors to help young children acquire a broader worldview. For children elementary aged and older we will offer small groups where they can connect with other base kids their own age. We will also provide a journal that promotes a closer walk with Jesus. However the majority of their spiritual growth will come from designated family times where you will be encouraged to share with them all that God has invested in you during the week. Please note however that the primary emphasis of the Spring DTS is directed towards you, the parents.
Financial Cost for Children and a Nanny:
| Lecture Phase: | Children 0-2 $200 Children 3-11 $600 Children 12-17 $950 | Nanny* ($9 per day) | $756 approx. |
| Optional for children ages 3-5 who are toilet trained: |
Pre-school $250 | ||
| |||
| Outreach Phase: | Children 0-2 $900 Children 3-11 $2,500 Children 12-17 $2,800 |
Subject to change depending on airline and outreach location. |
*The nanny is not required or permitted to go on outreach, as they are only needed for the lecture phase while the parent(s) are in class. The outreach team will include the whole family in ministries, activities, and locations encountered.
If you would like information on locations that offer a crossroads DTS, search "Crossroads DTS" at YWAM.org
