Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I participate in Golden State Summer Training Program?
- What does a typical week look like?
- How much does the program cost?
- Should I fundraise to help pay for the program?
- How do I pay for the program?
- How do students travel to and from the program?
- Should I bring my car to the program?
- What safety precautions are taken at the program?
- Will I attend a local church at the program?
- Can parents/friends visit the program?
- What are the program dates? When should I arrive?
Why should I participate in Golden State Summer Training Program?
We recognize that students have very few periods in their life in which their school and career commitments would allow them to even consider this type of intensive spiritual development and training experience. Observations over the years convinced the Navigator leadership that major, extended training events like this turn out to produce unique growth and development in:
• ministry skills
• knowledge of the Scriptures
• vision
• attitude
• character
• teamwork
• relational capacity
• campus ministry leadership development
• evangelism in your workplace
• employer/business relationships
• servanthood
• generous spirit
• missions
• personal passion for the Lord and His work
Students who participate are much more equipped personally to face with wisdom the demanding choices they will encounter as they move into their career, community, and local church involvement
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• ministry skills
• knowledge of the Scriptures
• vision
• attitude
• character
• teamwork
• relational capacity
• campus ministry leadership development
• evangelism in your workplace
• employer/business relationships
• servanthood
• generous spirit
• missions
• personal passion for the Lord and His work
Students who participate are much more equipped personally to face with wisdom the demanding choices they will encounter as they move into their career, community, and local church involvement
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What does a typical week look like?
A typical week will have variation based on what job you have. But each week will involved the following:
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- 40 hours of work
- A weekly meeting with various guest speakers
- Evangelism with your team
- Small group Bible study with your team
- Daily devotions
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How much does the program cost?
The program fee is $1500*. This makes it one of the least expensive programs. We are able to keep the cost so low because part of the work during the summer helps defray the costs of room and board. The program fee covers any additional housing and food costs, as well as materials, activities, speaker fees, etc.
If you are fundraising, there will be a small administrative fee covered for tax-deductible gifts,*
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If you are fundraising, there will be a small administrative fee covered for tax-deductible gifts,*
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Should I fundraise to help pay for the program?
The fundraising effort can potentially be very rewarding and helpful to each one of the participants in GSS. All participants are strongly encouraged to exercise this option, even if on a limited basis.
In previous summer programs that we have been directly involved in, we have made several observations including:
While students will be encouraged to fund-raise and allow others to invest in their summer, fundraising is not required to participate in the program.
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In previous summer programs that we have been directly involved in, we have made several observations including:
- Everyone is typically a bit hesitant initially to engage in personal fund raising
- Students who do the Bible study included in the funding packet (sent to attendees once they have been accepted into the program) and follow the suggested guidelines are surprised to discover that personal fund-raising is not as terrifying as it may initially appear!
- Students often find that their fund-raising efforts open new opportunities for rewarding conversations about spiritual growth and personal campus ministry.
- Students are almost always pleasantly surprised to see a number of friends and family members willingly contribute and invest financially in their upcoming summer of spiritual growth and ministry.
- Students who faithfully follow the guidelines and who diligently work to get the invitation appeals out often see more funds actually given to their account then what is needed to pay for their summer program!
- Some students see only a portion of their total needed amount contributed by friends, family and home churches. Even that partial amount can be a significant help in reducing the overall cost of the program.
- Many students in past summers have raised extra funds above what is needed to pay for their program costs and have been able to receive the balance in the form of an honorarium at the end of the summer program….a significant help for fall school expenses.
While students will be encouraged to fund-raise and allow others to invest in their summer, fundraising is not required to participate in the program.
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How do I pay for the program?
Whether or not students are fundraising for the program, students are expected to arrive with 50% of their program cost covered (either through their support raising efforts or a personal check made out to "The Navigators"). Because some students may continue to fundraise throughout the summer, payment can be received in increments throughout the program, with the deadline being July 14th.
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How do I travel to and from the program?
The program fee does not include any travel cost to and from the program. We ask students to share the cost of fuel on the trip with those who are driving their cars to GSS.
If you choose to fly, please arrange your flight to arrive at the Ontario International Airpot. Please check with your campus staff for appropriate arrival and departure dates and to arrange pick up at the airport.
Note: You can fly into LAX or other airports, but we will be providing pickup from Ontario.
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If you choose to fly, please arrange your flight to arrive at the Ontario International Airpot. Please check with your campus staff for appropriate arrival and departure dates and to arrange pick up at the airport.
Note: You can fly into LAX or other airports, but we will be providing pickup from Ontario.
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Should I bring my car to the program?
Yes! We are hoping that there will be at least 1-2 car for every team! Most of your summer will be spent at Forest Home. But once a week everyone will be driving to a local college campus or elsewhere to do evangelism. There will also be planned team trips, and other opportunities to get away from Forest Home.
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What safety precautions are taken at the program?
Forest Home is a very safe place! All appropriate precautions will be taken for any non-work events such as hikes or other outdoor activities.
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Will I attend a local church at the program?
Some services are provided onsite at Forest Home throughout the summer. Forest Home is one of the oldest Christian camps in Southern California and has an excellent reputation with many churches and denominations.
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Can parents/friends visit the program?
Parents are welcome to visit anytime! We request that students not be asked to miss work or program obligations, but they will be provided with regular time off throughout the summer. No friends or family can stay onsite, however, unless they make prior arrangements with Forest Home.
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What are the program dates? When should I arrive?
The program will officially begin on May 28th--this is when all team members and team leaders will be at Forest Home. Arriving later than May 28th can only be done with the express permission of the program director!
However, Forest Home is looking for people to be employed from May 28th until August 12th. We are asking that all students start working on May 28th. The earlier you come, the more money you will make!
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However, Forest Home is looking for people to be employed from May 28th until August 12th. We are asking that all students start working on May 28th. The earlier you come, the more money you will make!
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