FAQs

Why should I come to the School?
What has it got to offer?
What are some of the spiritual elements of the school?
What are the practical elements?
What is practicum? Where can I go for practicum?
Can I get Centerlink payments?
How can I afford it?
What do the fees cover?
What is the food like?
Do I need to cook?
What shops and facilities are around?
Can I swim in the lake?
Is there internet access?
Is there free time?
Can I visit home?

Why should I come to the School?

It is a school for youth and young adults wanting to be involved in ministry! We teach leadership principles and dynamics as the name suggests but a lot of people who come, come for the personal growth elements as well.

The course is based on intensive discipleship- learning to live like Jesus.  What you get out of the nine months at the school is so much more than you could experience through years of church attendance.  We aim for character and competence- it's more than skills and head knowlege.  Being at the School will absolutely turn your world upside down!

The School is a very unique place that offers the students who attend an opportunity to equip themselves for life. It's a place where you will be challenged to grow spiritually and emotionally. It's an environment that provides opportunities to experience God more; and to grow closer to Him.  No matter where God takes you afterwards, the School is an essential foundation for future ministry and mission.

If you would like to work with youth then you are also given the training and teaching to gain the necessary skills for this. The course provides you with the support that you wouldn't find in other courses offering a Cert IV in Youth Work.

Yes it is huge sacrifice and commitment, to give 1 year of your life in dedication to training and learning, however the rewards are more then worth what you would have given up. The school has the potential to be the best year of your life, which has been the reality for so many of the students that have been through already.  top

What has it got to offer?

The School offers a Certificate IV in Youth Work. Informally it offers much more. Every single person's experience at the school is different. It is a place that will challenge you to your limits, at times stretch you further than ever before and in the end you will come out a better person.

It also offers a beautiful environment for learning where there are plenty of places to go and things do in your free time.

The school gives you more than just a course, it also provides life long friends. Doing life which each other for 9 months means you make a new family where the friendships continue on long after the certificates are presented at graduation.  top

What are some of the spiritual elements of the school?

Daily there is time set aside for your own personal spiritual growth & development (quiet time with God) and there are also weekly small groups and cell groups. During the year we use different study guides (eg. "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" & "Experiencing God"). We also do courses to help you discover your spiritual gifts and abilities, there are also regular Praise and Worship times, plus many classes which will aid in your spiritual growth (eg. worship, prayer, Old & New Testament, sermons...). We aim to see you living a lifestyle of worship and mission.  top

What are the practical elements?

The school is extremely practical. You will get opportunities to try many new things or to improve on things you've already done. For example in the last two years the students have had the opportunity to:

• Facilitate Kids Club
• Lead at Kids Camps, 
• Lead Worship and give a Sermon at various Corps, 
• Lead Bible Study and Small Groups, 
• Teach Scripture Lessons in schools,
• Prepare and present an Easter Assembly at a primary school,
• Volunteer at a drop-in centre for youth,
• Hotels & street ministry
• Help out and participate at a church meeting at Streetlevel Community centre and church in Sydney
• and much, much, more

Whilst at the school you also get training in things such as:

• First Aid
• Suicide awareness
• Caring 4 kids  
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What is practicum? Where can I go for practicum?

Practicum is the work experience element of the course. It is your opportunity to put all the theory of the course into action. It is also a great opportunity to really be stretched and challenged by God by getting hands on practical experience in ministry. It is approximately 10 weeks in length and there are different options to choose from. Some of the possibilities are:

• Summer camps in the USA
• Oasis Youth Outreach Centres
• Corps Ministry which might include a Community Centre and/or Youth Refuge/Centre.
• Church Planting
• Plus more
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Can I get Centrelink payments?

The Certificate IV in Youth Work that we offer here is accredited and Centrelink approved. If you are eligible for Youth Allowance or Austudy then you will be able to get payments whilst studying here.  top

Can I afford it?

ABSOLUTELY!  Don't be put off by the fees, start saving now. Considering the course includes accommodation, most meals, books, resources, Practicum and tuition the year is an absolute bargain!

In the past some students have fundraised part or all of their fees. Your corps/church may be interested in sponsoring you. Pray about it and talk to your church leadership. If you have any concerns please get in touch with us and let us know.  top

What do the fees cover?

All things taken into consideration you are getting a great deal more then what you pay for! Your fees cover:

• Firstly it covers the cost of the course and the training you receive
• Text books
• School shirt
• Most of your meals
• Cost of accommodation whilst at the school
• Practicum
• All of the events and programs the school attends are paid for eg. Youth Councils.
• And a lot of the extra cool fun stuff that you get to do while you are at the school
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What is the food like?

We are really blessed to have people who can cook well. The food is amazing, and is something that is missed during the 10 week practicum. We provide students with wonderfully cooked home made meals enjoyed around the meal table each day. We also cater for special medical dietary needs.

Some common meals here at the school are roast dinners, stir fry's, meat and vege's, spaghetti bolognaise, apricot chicken and many more. Lunch is usually sandwiches. There is also a variety of snack food and fruit.  top

Do I need to cook?

Saturday's and Sunday nights you will usually have to fend for yourself. Some people like to cook meals together while others go it alone, either way there are plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and a supermarket nearby.  top

What shops and facilities are around?

• There is a cornershop at the end of the street and the closest Coles is a 5 min drive.
• The closest post office & chemist is a 15-20min walk where you can also purchase phone calling cards.
• There is an RTA, post office, doctor's surgery, dentist, Medicare, and other places within a 10-20min drive of the school.

Students with their own vehicles are able to leave anytime during free time.  top

Can I swim in the lake?

Yes and there is also a beach 5 minutes drive up the road, or you can walk through the National Park for 30 minutes to Birdie beach which is also a beautiful spot.  top

Is there internet access?

Yes, we have internet access on the computers in the library for assignment work and keeping in contact with family and friends.  top

Is there free time?

Yes, it varies but usually Saturday is a day off (except when we go to Youth Councils and other similar events). Sundays we go to church (usually a morning and afternoon/night meeting) and have lunch together but sometimes there are a few hours to just relax.

During the week after dinner your time is your own (with some exceptions throughout the year).  top

Can I visit home?

If home is close by you can visit home on a Friday night after Hotel Ministry is finished and on Saturday when you have your day off you are free to spend it as you like. There is a week off after practicum and public holidays are also adhered to. For special reasons and exceptional circumstances, when free time hasn't been put on the curriculum, students may request time off however this is granted at the discretion of the Directors.  top