DTS

You were made for this

CHAMPION
YOUNG PEOPLE

Do you remember that one person you looked up to in your teenage years—the one who believed in you? Did you know you could be that person for someone else? As we grow in our own identity in God, we receive the keys to wage what is essentially a war against the hopelessness impacting this generation.

Gen Alpha is fighting for their identity in a chronic culture of comparison, navigating loneliness and relentless digital noise. That’s why we’ve shaped a pathway that equips you to step into their world. They need heroes—people who know God, live brave, and love their generation. That’s the heartbeat of this elective.

You were made for this

What’s Involved

You’ll serve alongside experienced youth mentors, taking part in the preparation, planning, and delivery of programs and events. The elective includes foundational teaching in youth ministry, collaborative idea sessions, and guided development in areas such as message delivery, activities, and small-group environments.

Our approach is different. Even with over 30 years of experience, we don’t assume we have all the answers. We intentionally research, listen, and seek God for His strategy; whether connecting with high school students in Ukraine, running programs in bomb shelters, or building deep relationships with migrant families in our own neighbourhoods. Young people are precious to God, and they deserve our very best. As we grow in knowing God, we learn to reflect His character and represent Jesus to each generation in a real, relational way.

This stream is designed to strengthen your youth ministry skill set, equipping you for outreach and future ministry.

Youth Ministry stream offers activities such as:

Scheduled School & Youth Camps.
Local Church Youth Groups.
Syrian Homework Club.
Planning & Filming Media Content.

At YWAM Tahlee, we offer two streams. These streams aren’t rigid or seperate tracks—they overlap, interact, and flow together, with each stream having a slightly different emphasis during the lecture phase. This structure allows you to dive deeper into your chosen stream while remaining united to the broader community and heart of the DTS. They may look like small group activities, planning for outreaches or learning new skills.

You’ll have set, recurring times dedicated to your elective, without it taking priority over the core purpose of DTS.

A stream is defined by:

Gathering Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with others who share your interests.
Passionate Leadership: Engage with inspiring leaders who guide your journey.
Regular Programming : Enjoy organised, low-level activities during the lecture phase.

Make God known as you give away what you’ve received during the lecture phase. Step into purpose and grow in confidence as you share your testimony.

Outreach is a chance to pause your everyday routines and enter a devoted season of serving others. For many, it means exchanging constant online noise or inner turmoil for mission, community, and clarity.

Outreach opportunities may include:

Kids Ministry: Impact the lives of children in your community.
Sports Ministry: Foster teamwork and connection through sports.
Street Evangelism: Share your faith in a meaningful way.
Teaching English: Equip others with valuable language skills.
Acts of Compassion: Serve those in need with love and kindness.

We make no promise that this will be easy. But here’s the truth: there is real joy when we engage with God’s purpose and give ourselves fully to His plan—recognising that you were made for this.

Lecture Phase: $4990 AUD

Outreach Phase: $4000 – $6000 AUD

23rd of Feb – 17th july 2026

DTS is only the beginning.

After your DTS, you can join YWAM Newcastle/Tahlee as a staff member on a two-year pathway designed to deepen your faith, ministry skills, and biblical knowledge.

This track includes MDS and TAE training, along with opportunities to participate in YWAM staff outreaches to Ukraine.

You’ll take on daily roles within the team, engage in regular community outreach, and grow alongside our vibrant, passionate Jesus family.

MDS

Ministry Development School (MDS) is designed to help your roots grow deeper in God. With weekly mentoring and quarterly training intensives led by leaders with over 30 years’ experience, this course will continue equipping you to Know God, Live Brave, and Love Your Generation.

TAE

Training & Assessment (TAE) equips you to teach, mentor, and assess others with confidence. Combining practical, hands-on training with essential theory, TAE empowers you to become the mentor who shapes the next generation of nation shakers.

Ukraine Outreach

Each year, the YWAM Newcastle/Tahlee team heads to Ukraine for an unforgettable outreach. We focus on reaching high school youth while partnering with local communities and churches, stepping in as the hands and feet of Jesus to bring hope, encouragement, and lasting impact.

YWAM Staff

This all begins by joining our YWAM staff team! Alongside ongoing training, you’ll be immersed in our vibrant family community—taking on daily roles, collaborating in passionate team environments, and engaging in regular ministry opportunities.

You were made for this

FAQ'S

Have further questions?

Get in touch with us now!
+614 8848 7088 or tahlee@ywamnow.com

Where do your students come from?

Our students and staff come from all around the world, we are a multicultural campus and are always looking to meet friends from new nations.

What's the average age of your students?

Most of our students are aged between 18-30 but we often have people join us who are outside that age range. If you feel like joining us don’t hesitate to get in contact with our communications team.

Where do you go on outreach?

Each outreach is unique. Here are a few places we have been recently:  Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines, Uganda, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Australia & New Zealand.

Are there any prerequisites for your courses?

Successful completion of the Australian Year 10 Certificate (or equivalent) and a sufficient standard of oral and written English proficiency is needed in order to benefit from our training.

There are no prerequisites for DTS. However, we ask that you are over the age of 18 by the time you leave for outreach.

Can I come for only lecture phase or only outreach phase?

The DTS program is 6-months long and the lecture phase and outreach phase are designed to compliment each other. We highly value the equipping and training of students, as well as giving them practical experience in missions. If you are considering this course it would be beneficial for you to find a time in your schedule where you can commit to the full program.

Do you offer scholarships?

YWAM Newcastle is a non-profit organisation and as such all of our staff and students rely upon the financial support of others in order to be here.

Can I get Centrelink while doing DTS?

DTS is a Centrelink approved course. If you are an Australian you may be eligible for financial assistance from Centrelink. Information about Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY and other payments are available on their website. Please talk to our communication team for further assistance.

Can I get a job while on DTS?

The course schedule does not allow time for outside work. In addition to this, we want you to get the most out of your course and advise against anything that would distract you from being fully involved.

Where will I be living?

What will my schedule be like?

What are work duties?

Work Duties are a chance for our students to interact with the wider YWAM Tahlee community. Students are allocated into teams to serve in our kitchen, hospitality department, media team, building team, cafe and more.

What are electives and what do they look like?

We like to say that electives add a bit of “flavour” to the DTS. They are a way of gathering together people that are passionate about similar things. Electives don’t limit you from getting involved in other areas you are passionate about around campus or in your own time. Chat with your DTS staff about what this looks like for your school and how you can take initiative outside of class time to incorporate your elective into your DTS experience.

What can I do with my spare time?

Your weekends are your own and there is always something to do at Tahlee or in Newcastle. Catch some waves at the beach, visit one of the many local cafes nearby, see a movie at the cinema or visit the farmer’s markets. Sydney is only a two and a half hour train ride away, which is ideal for a day trip to the city.

What can I do after DTS?

Once you’ve completed DTS you are able to join staff with YWAM Tahlee, YWAM Newcastle or another YWAM campus around the world. Be part of our growing team in one of our many departments and ministries.

Many students return home and go to university or get a job in their hometown. Our hope is that DTS would equip you to be a part of what you want to do next, no matter what it is, inspiring missional-minded people in all walks of life.