MOUNTAIN VENTURE DTS
From the Rockies to the Rice Fields
What is the Mountain Venture Discipleship Training School?
We are looking for people who have a desire to get to know God in a deeper way, while experiencing more of his heart through his creation, his word, and his people. Our Mountain Venture Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a 5 month program which takes each student on a personal journey deeper into the heart of God while getting deeper into the majestic Canadian Rockies. The DTS consists of 2 phases, lectures and outreach. The 12 weeks of lectures are themed with the nature and character of God, bible study, prayer, godly relationships, evangelism, world view and missions. Each week will consist of lectures taught by varied speakers, small group discussions, one-on-ones with staff, work duties around the ministry campus, corporate worship and prayer as well as a chance to head into the Rocky Mountains located in YWAM Turner Valley’s backyard. Some of these excursions will include hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, rafting, etc.
These experiences alongside the themed lectures will give students opportunity to see and understand God in a new way, resulting in a greater confidence and equipping them to share the love of Jesus with others.
The 8 week outreach will give each student an opportunity to put into practice some of what they have learned throughout the lecture phase. There will be opportunity to serve the less fortunate and share the love of Jesus through mercy ministries, teaching, running children’s programs, evangelism, and service projects while on outreach. We have established long standing relationships with contacts throughout SE Asia and hope to continue to serve among God’s work there through our DTS outreach. The outreach phase will end with one week of debrief and re-entry teaching as each student prepares to bring their experiences home.
TESTIMONIES
I came to DTS giving God one last chance and He used that chance to completely change me and my life.
Germany
Bible Overview week - hearing the Bible as a continuous story of relationship - had the most impact on me
Saskatchewan, Canada
I feel like a big change was me getting more comfortable and confident with sharing my testimony or sermon. Also it was an important revelation that I can serve God doing anything, even dirty work!
Manitoba, Canada
Father heart of God and Relationship weeks were my favourite. I had struggled with [these topics] before coming, so learning about them really helped me to understand aspects of my life
Manitoba, Canada
Live Learn Community
Though community living has its complexities, working and living in close proximity with others often achieves deeper friendships. Students not only learn from the lectures, but through small groups and one-on-ones, as well as from the daily life interactions with other students lives. The live-learn environment gives opportunity to not just understand principles of service and loving one another, but also to live them out.
Lecture Phase: July 10 – Sept. 25, 2023
Outreach Phase: Sept. 26 – Nov. 24, 2023
Graduation: December 1, 2023
Similar dates apply in later years
Lecture Phase: Finances for lecture phase are being treated in a different way than usual. As part of our Faith Journey, we are inviting students and participants to unite with us in prayer for God’s provision rather than financing their own training. For more information, see our Faith Journey FAQs
Outreach Phase: $3500-4000 CDN*
*Fees subject to change
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an expert hiker or outdoorsman?
No! The Mountain Venture DTS is geared for both those seasoned outdoorsmen and for those who have never left the city. The only thing that matters is that you WANT to be in the outdoors.
Will I have a roommate?
You betcha! A big part of discipleship in the DTS is the living with other people and all the benefits and difficulties that come along with that. DTS is way more fun with roommates!
Where will we go on outreach?
South East Asia. Here at YWAM Turner Valley we are committed to reaching out to the Shan People of South East Asia. They mostly live in Myanmar and Thailand so that is where we focus our outreaches on.
What should I pack?
- Your bible. You will need it everyday.
- Good hiking boots! In the Mountain Venture DTS we will go on 6-7 hikes in the lecture phase and will backpack and camp for a week in the Rockies so find some good footwear before you come.
- Sunscreen for your mountain ventures.
- 1-2 good water bottles.
- Outdoor hiking clothes.
- A good backpack can be helpful on outreach but not mandatory. We will rent you a backpack and hiking poles for our weeklong hike in the Rockies.
- Sunglasses.
- Bathing Suit (we have a very pleasant river on our property which is perfect to swim in during the summer).
- Your camera! There are so many beautiful things you will see while you are here.
- School supplies for note taking.
CURRENT SCHOOL LEADER
Lex StephensAlexandra – “Lex” – hails from the island of Guernsey – yes, as in “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” She loves all things bright and colourful, has a heart for children with disabilities, and will swim in any body of water she can find, no matter the temperature. Lex loves connecting with friends over a well-made cup of tea (steeped for two minutes, bag removed, milk added – in. that. order.).
