area & ministry director school

JANUARY 25-30, 2026

Overview

Coursework

Logistics

Schedule

Overview

We are excited to have you participate in this experience!

All new area directors, ministry directors, and those staff associates acting as ​area directors should plan on attending Area & Ministry Director School​ (after they've completed New Staff Training), although it is not required for completion of Core Training Phase One or Two.

The primary objective of AMDS is to improve an individual's overall job performance related to the eight major areas in order to facilitate the building of effective teams and reach kids for Christ. Although the in-person intensive lasts only one week, this training incorporates a yearlong, mentor-driven experience.

Area & Ministry Director School (AMDS) is a hybrid course, where you will:

1. Participate in fall cohort meetings - Cohorts will be assigned at the beginning of November and meet on TIMES TBD (time designated by your cohort coach). Your cohort is just as important as the in-person intensive, so please protect this time as it will also be a part of your grade.

2. Complete online assignments - All participants have required assignments (regardless of job title or status) due from October 2025 - March 2026 to supplement your learning (review the coursework tab for more information).

3. Attend an in-person intensive​ - The in-person intensive will be at Young Life's SharpTop Cove​ ​ January 25-30, 2026 (review the logistics tab for more information).

Registration (LIVE 8/1)

Cost

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The cost to attend is $1,750. This includes travel (up to $500), lodging, and food. Additional fees may apply for travel overages, late bookings, or caregivers (if applicable).

Mark your calendar

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  • The Learning Online course opens on December 1, which is when/where assignment details and due dates will be located. The course will run until March 1. For more information, check the Coursework​ section.
  • You will have cohort meetings before the in-person intensive: one in November, one in December, one in January, and​ one in​ February​ (the time will be designated by your Cohort Coach). Please protect this time!
  • If you have an extenuating circumstance regarding housing needs, please contact the Learning and Leadership department before​ December 1.
  • The cutoff date for registering as a "for-credit" student for this course is December 15. If, for any reason, you wish to unenroll for academic credit, you will need to contact us prior to January 6.
  • The in-person intensive will be at Young Life's SharpTop Cove on January 25-30.