The Art of Packing for YWAM DTS

Packing for a weekend away is hard enough, but for a 5-month trip, packing becomes a foreign art.

When you're preparing to go do a discipleship training school with YWAM San Diego/Baja, it is common to wait to even think of packing until the very last minute before leaving. I call this pack-crastinating, a thing of which I too am guilty of doing. But “pack-crastinating” leads us to overpack, leaving no space for those fun international gifts you inevitability buy to bring back to your family and friends.

Not taking time to pack, or not knowing what to pack also leads us into a “just in case” mindset. We end up attempting to bring our whole worlds to our small 6-8-person dorm rooms. We squeeze our stuff into our allotted space, consisting of only a 1 1/2 foot wide closet with two drawers and a bit of hanging space per person, maybe even a shared drawer under your and your bunkmates' bunk bed as well. 

My point is not that our dorms should have more storage space, it’s actually nice to have your own little nook, but that coming to a DTS means that you need to be mindful that the other 6 people in your room are also embarking on this journey with you, and also brought some luggage of their own.

Additionally, pile on the fact that after your time on the beautiful campuses in either Ensenada or San Antonio Del Mar, Mexico, you'll be hopping on a plane and traveling to a remote destination to spread God's word. You definitely don't want extra luggage to weigh down your ability to mission to the nations during your final 8-week phase of DTS.

I promise you don’t need to bring everything you own, and you can learn to live with less - it is actually a freeing feeling. But understand that the panic is natural, and we've all been there! The good news is there is a strategy for how to pack for DTS, and I'm happy to report it works.

So read on and get ready to take some notes!

Before You Go: Understanding DTS

In 1960, Loren Cunningham was a man with a vision and a prayer. By combining his passion for helping youth with his deep relationship with God, he founded Youth With a Mission that year. Now a global organization, YWAM has helped thousands of young people realize their full potential in Christ and become a part of the largest missions movement & Christ-centered community in the world.

In 1991, Sean and Janet Lambert brought Loren's vision to life in San Diego and the neighboring region of Baja, Mexico, just south of the border. Since then, YWAM San Diego/Baja has offered 10 year-round missions training experiences and conferences, including discipleship training school, to hundreds of students including you and me.

DTS is available to people from all locations and walks of life. The training experience is open to recent high school graduates or young people 18 years or older. Many students are seeking a Christian gap year experience that traditional gap year programs can't replicate. YWAM's gap year missions training can even help you gain college credit to apply toward a future experience and connect you with a gap year team with the same faith-based goals that you have.

Whether you're searching for a fulfilling gap year program or simply desire practical tools to help you become a powerful missions leader in whatever sphere of society you choose, YWAM San Diego/Baja's DTS is a great first step toward the rest of your life.

Apply today, or if you've been accepted, read on to learn more about the art of packing for a YWAM gap year.

Step 1: Pick Your Bags

As far as what to pack in, you can pack in either a suitcase or a hiking backpack. Bring what you have - there is no need to go crazy spending money on super expensive or high-tech luggage.

Usually, a hiking backpack will be best, especially if you end up with a more remote or physically active outreach location. In my experience, using a larger, comfortable backpack also encourages you to pack less, which is a plus when you're on the move.

Step 2: Packing for Campus Phase

The campus phase, here in sunny Mexico, is 3 months long and is the first phase of the Discipleship Training School.

In this phase, you will experience practical training, leadership training, and daily worship to help you discover how God calls you to ministry and the skills you need to answer this call. During this time you will establish a strong foundation for the rest of your life, but physically you'll mostly be walking around the base, to and from classes, going to meals, serving the campus, having downtime in your room, and doing local ministry.

You are welcome to bring that unique splash of your own style, believe it or not, you don’t have to invest in Chacos right away. I was thrilled to learn that YWAM San Diego/Baja is a community of individuals. They want you to be you!

When I say this, it does come with a couple of restrictions. Because being you does not mean showing us all of you. You probably have that in mind already, but the fact that we are in Mexico and it can be warm at times isn't an excuse for the shortest shots partnered with the smallest shirts. Be the modest-fashion forward young adults that I know you are. 

With both of our campuses being right on the beautiful ocean that God created for us to enjoy, a cool breeze is common. It may also come as a shock that it can be a bit colder at night, especially in the spring quarter. If you are planning on doing a fall quarter DTS with us, late November-December is when sweater weather kicks in, so don’t only pack your summer wardrobe.

So, What Should I Actually Pack?

Here's a list I think covers all the essentials:

• Passport: Make sure it is valid for more than 6 months from the end of DTS so you do not have any issues while traveling. 

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, etc. 

• 6 shirts: 4 for out and about and two for sleeping.

• 2 pairs of pants

• 1 pair of shorts

• 1 light sweater/flannel/cardigan

• 1 heavier sweater 

• 1 modest swimsuit & sunscreen

• All the undergarments 

• 1 set of sandals

• 1 set of running shoes/close-toed shoes

• Baseball hat

• A set of clothes you wouldn't mind getting paint on or dirty (maybe two if you're in the Building Hope DTS).

• Your Bible & journal

• 1 good book other than your Bible

• Computer/camera if you have one (especially for the Photo-Storytelling DTS)

• Guitar, instrument, or your art supplies if you are doing the Music + Arts Collective DTS

• Surfboard or skateboard if you are doing the Surf + Skate DTS

• Small backpack for day trips

• Water bottle 

• Twin-size bedding or a sleeping bag for your bunk bed

Important Notes for the Campus Phase

You aren't stranded when you come to one of YWAM San Diego/Baja's campuses, so if you do forget to pack something, don't stress.

You can use US dollars as well as Mexican Pesos here at both our Ensenada and San Antonio Del Mar campuses, and there are ATMs in town for you to be able to get cash.

There is a Walmart nearby if you need something immediately. Plus, our local Oxxo (like a 7/11) is within walking distance from the base and has snacks and some toiletry essentials. You also can order things from your Amazon to our SD offices and receive them later in the mailroom on campus.

You will have access to a washer and dryer, which can help you pack light. We recommend you go in on laundry soap with your new roommates once you get here. Oh, and be sure to bring some quarters for the laundry machines! 

We do have a storage unit where you will be able to leave some stuff when you go on outreach, so you don’t need to plan on bringing everything with you into the outreach phase if you do overpack initially.

Step 3: Packing for Outreach Phase

The outreach phase is harder to pin down until you know exactly where you will be going. This second section of DTS lasts approximately 8 weeks and consists of a mission trip to an international destination.

This cross-cultural experience is the first time many people travel internationally, which means you'll probably be nervous about more than just packing. But that's totally normal! I was too!

The good thing is you'll be surrounded by your fellow YWAM students. You'll serve alongside them and spread God's word to unreached communities using your newfound missional mindset. Experience a foreign language and navigate cultural differences to be the best disciple you can be.

Outreach teams are determined a couple of weeks into your campus phase. So, don’t panic, you will have time to prepare. And Amazon will come in handy for any location-specific items you may need.

Here are some must-haves for the outreach phase:

• Passport (obviously!)

• Bug repellent

• Shoes to walk and potentially hike in

• 3 shirts

• 2 athletic pants, ones you won't mind hiking in

• 1 set of nice clothes for church services (guys: button-up shirt and pants - girls: modest dress or maxi skirt)

• All your undergarments

• 1 pair of modest shorts 

• Toiletries bags/baby wipes are great when you don’t have access to a proper shower.

• Flashlight/headlamp 

• Bible & journal

• 1 set of sleepwear

• Sleeping bag (You could wait to order one to make sure if you need to have a thicker or cooler one depending on the temperature of where you’re going.)

• Space for cool little gifts you’ll want to bring back.

• Your camera/computer if you feel comfortable (those in the Photo-Storytelling DTS will need to bring this one). 

• Light rain jacket or windbreaker 

Keep in mind that you’ll probably be able to replenish essentials somewhere along the way at a local market.

How Does Packing Tie in With Discipleship?

THE TRUTH:

“Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.”

— LUKE 10:4

This verse seems extreme. None of that, Jesus? But she just said something about Chacos and a hiking backpack…

Jesus isn't saying that you sitting at home packing right now should stop or not bring any material items on mission trips, or be unfriendly, not greeting anyone on your journey here. No, what he is doing is asking you to trust Him.

Discipleship has always been at the center of Jesus' story. The Greek root word for discipleship, akoloutheo, means "to follow," aligning with Jesus' call to "Follow me." The emphasis in discipleship has always been on action, letting go of personal attachment to follow Jesus to the greatest capacity throughout your life.

He is asking you to let Him be your source of provision. So, whether you're getting overwhelmed and stressing over each item or you're a pack-crastinator, stuff is just stuff and Jesus is bigger than stuff.

Here’s the good news - you will survive even if you forget your flashlight.

At YWAM San Diego/Baja, less is more. Embodying the spirit of full-time ministry, people are always giving and sharing, participating in the generous provision of God. It’s a new journey and just like you’ve trusted God so far, you can continue to trust while participating in the art of packing.

Apply for DTS Today

Interested in doing a DTS? Click below to learn more about the different Discipleship Training Schools that are offered at YWAM San Diego/ Baja! Get to know God's heart and use His love as a launching pad for the rest of your life in global missions.

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The author, Olivia Meers is full time staff with YWAM SDB staffing the Photo-Storytelling DTS and in the Communications department. 

10 Reasons We Love Tijuana and Why You Will Too

Just south of the busiest border crossing in the world lies one of Mexico’s largest cities, Tijuana, Baja California.

This is the city where YWAM San Diego/Baja gets the incredible opportunity to do life and ministry. And with our immersive discipleship training school, DTS, you could live and serve here as well. We love it here and we know you will too!

In the past years, this city has seen incredible growth in local businesses and attractions. From the stretches of beaches to some of the most creative art, to killer coffee, and of course incredible tacos, Tijuana is an epic destination to spend a few months or more!

The Best YWAM Locations

Why is Tijuana one of the best YWAM locations? It goes beyond the incredible experiences you'll have at a YWAM discipleship training school. Many DTS students who attend a DTS at YWAM San Diego/Baja are drawn here due to the unique culture and campus diversity. We are one of the few YWAM DTS locations with two distinct campuses.

Both within walking distance of the beach and vibrant local communities within Tijuana, our Ensenada and San Antonio Del Mar campuses give students even more to explore in their YWAM location.

DTS Programs at Ensenada

An hour and a half south of the U.S./Mexico border, our Ensenada campus houses 200 staff, volunteers, and students. Hosting international conferences as well as local concerts and events such as skateboard competitions, it is a community hub, as well as a YWAM DTS location.

Experience the DTS Campus Phase at San Antonio Del Mar

Our flagship property in Tijuana, San Antonio Del Mar overlooks stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. While you participate in your YWAM school, you'll enjoy God's beautiful creation with natural landscapes, as well as close access to a thriving local culture. Currently, with 200 beds, this YWAM base is expanding to host more than 800 students and staff, and even DTS graduates taking part in University of Nations training schools and Missions Adventures.

But enough about us... here is a list of 10 Must-Do’s in Tijuana, for you to use as a bucket list when you are with us!

1. Telefonica Gastro Park

Telefónica is Tijuana’s favorite Gastro Park. Think of anything you’d want to eat, chances are, it’s here. You’ll find ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, vegan tacos, ramen, kombucha, and even sushi burritos. You’ll definitely want to try more than one thing. But don't worry, discipleship training schools have free time built in so you'll be able to try every dish on your list.

2. Nativo Coffee Community

This cafe is incredible!

There are two Nativo Cafes here in TJ, the Estacion Federal location is just a block from the walking border crossing, and another on Calle Sexta. Nativo serves excellent coffee and is a beautiful space for reading, meeting, or hanging out with friends. Our favorite drink to order and share with our YWAM community is the Spicy Orange Latte.

3. THE CULTURAL CENTER

In the Zona Río district of Tijuana, you’ll find the Tijuana Cultural Center. This center opens its doors to over a million tourists per year.

Why? Besides the several art and cultural programs for the public, this center has the only IMAX theater in all of Mexico. This cinema has a 360-degree projector, literally surrounding its viewers with the ultimate movie experience. And our YWAM bases are only a short distance away!

4. THE COFFEE SHOPS

One of Mexico’s many gifts to the world is its coffee. We hit on Nativo earlier, but Tijuana is a city full of awesome coffee shops. Be sure to check out:

• B HAUS

• Das Cortez

• Grulla Cafe

• Electric Coffee Roasters

5. THE TACOS

What more can we say? Tacos are everywhere here and they are delicious!

You can sit down in a restaurant or pick some up from a street cart, both are awesome options. Here are the places we recommend to get your taco fix every day, not just on Tuesdays:

• Tacos El Franc

• Taco Nazo

• Tacos Manuel

• Tacos El Yaqui

6. CAESAR’S

Did you know that the Caesar Salad was actually invented in Tijuana?

Caesar Cardini invented the salad in 1924 right here in Tijuana in the Hotel Caesar restaurant. The story is that during a July 4th rush, Cardini had to make do with what was left over to fill orders and he ended up creating what we now know and love as the Caesar salad.

7. The Nature!

Believe it or not, this city is surrounded by many majestic scenes. Besides breathtaking ocean views, there are options for those who like to hike, bike, and stroll. La Jolla, pictured above is right outside the city and is the perfect place for a sunset viewing party.

8. La Playa 

Take a moment (or many) to stroll down the boardwalk here in Tijuana.

It starts right at the border wall where you can see, and touch, the actual border wall between Mexico and the U.S. As you walk down you can enjoy the view of the beach as well as many souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. We also have a beautiful beach a couple minutes walk from each of our YWAM San Diego/ Baja campuses.

9. THE VIEWS FROM THE CAMPUS CAN’T BE BEAT.

We have an epic view of the ocean and the Coronado Islands from our campus. Imagine going out on your balcony and seeing the ocean every day. It never gets old!

10. THE MARKETS

In the heart of downtown Tijuana lies one of the most famous markets, Mercado El Popo.

Here you can explore and buy Mexican fruits, cheeses, herbs, spices, ceramics, souvenirs, and even piñatas! Bring a little cash and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds as you walk through.

There is also another great market in Tijuana called Mercado Hidalgo and if you head a couple of minutes south of the campus to Rosarito, a popular beach destination, you can explore the markets there as well. You’ll find rugs, blankets, ceramics, and beautiful jewelry.

Apply for DTS Today

Have you thought about doing a school with us but haven’t applied yet? YWAM San Diego/Baja runs various Discipleship Training Schools and Secondary Courses with the University of the Nations at our San Antonio Del Mar campus located just south of Tijuana.

YWAM ministry extends outside of Tijuana with locations across the world including:

• Orlando, Florida - YWAM Orlando

• Salem, Oregon - YWAM Salem

• Louisville, Kentucky - YWAM Louisville

• Kailua Kona, Hawaii - YWAM Kona

• New Orleans, Louisiana - YWAM New Orleans

• Dallas, Texas - YWAM Dallas

• And so much more!

While every location brings something special to the YWAM family, we believe that Tijuana is one of the best DTS locations. While most students only get to go abroad during the overseas mission trip in the outreach phase, Our DTS students can experience international travel throughout their entire DTS experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply for our DTS today!

Just Say Yes: 3 Reasons to Say Yes to a YWAM DTS

JUST SAY YES

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  I absolutely love leading a Discipleship Training School with YWAM. The more I work with this program, the more I fall in love with it because I see the way the students and staff are impacted and transformed each and every time.  As I talk with students who are interested in applying and doing the school I have noticed a common theme- so many are deeply stirred by the idea of signing up for this adventure, but the voice they hear the loudest is the one telling them all the reasons why they should say no. 

Fear, Finances, Future plans and everything in between causes them to take a step back before ever taking the leap of faith.

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1. Fear Turns to Faith. 

It can be so scary to give up all the comforts and convenience of home, to move to a new city or even a new country. Thinking about doing DTS often brings up all the feels, fears and anxieties within us. Is it worth it? What will happen? How will things be?  While fear is real, stepping out of our norm, however, gives us a chance to encounter God in a new way. God uses the process of us stepping out in Faith to show us more of who He is. 

Fear may be a reality that we face, but it was never meant to be in the driver seat.

Too often we allow it to hinder us from walking towards our calling and our destiny, but once we strip away our comforts and finally face our fears, we get down to the core of really trusting God. This is exactly what God was doing with the Israelites in the wilderness. After bringing them up out of Egypt, He wasn’t keeping them wandering to mess with them or to cause them to suffer.  He was stripping away their fear and slavery mentality. One step at a time, God is introducing himself as a good Father and replacing fear with faith and the identity of slavery with the identity of a chosen son or daughter. In the process of going to DTS, God reshapes our fears into faith and draws us into deeper relationship as we take his hand and take the leap. 

“With unfailing love you will lead this people whom you have ransomed. You will guide them in your strength to the place where your holiness dwells. ”

— Exodus 15:13

2. Financial Worry Turns to Intimate Dependence. 

Tuition costs, flights, supplies- it all adds up and I totally get it. The thoughts flood in- Where will all that money come from? I can’t afford this. I don’t want to look lazy and ask people for money. What will people think of me? It’s dangerously easy to find ourselves looking full force towards the need rather than at the One who meets any and every need we could ever have.

We are created to walk not in independence but in intimate dependence on God.

Thinking about foregoing a job and stable income to do DTS seems counterintuitive and even foolish to the wisdom of the world. In the wilderness, God was intentionally stripping away the Israelite’s ability to control and crafting trust within them. Each day they were to gather only as much manna as their household needed-nothing more, nothing less. They had to learn to trust that their only source of provision was God. The middle of the desert is a great place to learn this because they didn’t have anything else to fall back on or put their trust in. Where do you you look to as a source of provision? There’s a temptation to look towards other things beside God as our source of provision, like a job or a specific person or donor, but ultimately God is our source. Not only when doing fundraising, but in the area of all financial provision- our hopes should always be in our God. It is He who provides. When fundraising He brings us into connection with people to partner with what He wants to do. It is up to Him to touch people’s hearts. The pressure is off, all we need to do is lean in and trust. He really is faithful. 

“In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”

— Exodus 16:12

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3. An Unknown Future Turns to Fulfilling Adventure.

Is stressing about career and working towards success keeping you from doing a DTS? I promise you, you are not wasting your time or being frivolous by doing a DTS, even if you feel pressure to be investing in your future and your career now. DTS is the greatest investment you can make because you are not only investing in yourself, you are investing in your relationship with God and the future impact you’ll have on others. 

By overcoming fear and doubt and doing a DTS, you unlock a fulfilling adventure of discovering more about who God is, what His purposes are for you and how you can partner with God to bring heaven on earth.

The DTS is an amazing foundation for the future and a beautiful season of pressing into intimacy with God like never before. Transitioning the Israelites from slavery to the wilderness was not just about the destination of the Promised Land. It was about the process. God is deeply intentional to bring us into the process of healing, of heart transformation and of shifting our perspective and worldview into alignment with Him and who He is. God met with them there, revealed himself and brought transformation to His people. DTS is all about transitioning us towards the Promised Land of walking in our true identity, authority and calling here on earth.  Taking this risk is absolutely worth it. It is trusting the unknown future to a known God and it's the most thrilling adventure. 

“And He has brought us to this place and given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. ”

— Deuteronomy 26:9

Join us for a DTS!  YWAM San Diego/ Baja offers a variety of Discipleship Training Schools with focuses so you can grow in your passions while going deeper with God.

 

The author, Tiffany Lambert, is full time with YWAM San Diego/Baja and leads the Photo-Storytelling DTS.