Financial Questions
"I like the idea of STP, but can't afford $2800. I also need to make money. What should I do?"
This is the most common initial objection to getting involved in a Summer Training Program. It also has the simplest answer: fundraising! Think of the program as a mission trip that doesn't require crossing an ocean. The Dells STP Nav staff and your local campus Nav staff are fully committed to helping you raise the full program cost. Upon acceptance to the program, you'll be provided a plethora of materials to accomplish this goal, including a funding Bible study, a step-by-step funding plan, and funding letter examples. We are convinced that when we trust God and act on his promises, he is able to provide for us. Each year, 90%+ of the program has been covered by donations to individual students, and students were also able to make money to take home. "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours," (1 Chronicles 29:11).
This is the most common initial objection to getting involved in a Summer Training Program. It also has the simplest answer: fundraising! Think of the program as a mission trip that doesn't require crossing an ocean. The Dells STP Nav staff and your local campus Nav staff are fully committed to helping you raise the full program cost. Upon acceptance to the program, you'll be provided a plethora of materials to accomplish this goal, including a funding Bible study, a step-by-step funding plan, and funding letter examples. We are convinced that when we trust God and act on his promises, he is able to provide for us. Each year, 90%+ of the program has been covered by donations to individual students, and students were also able to make money to take home. "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours," (1 Chronicles 29:11).
"What happens if I don't raise enough money? What happens if I raise too much money?"
Each year, 90%+ of the program has been covered by donations to individual students. This is the highest funding rate among the dozen (plus) Navs STPs across the country. We provide students with proven step-by-step funding materials, as well as on-going coaching from local Navigators staff prior to STP and from summer staff during STP. More than that, we're trusting God to provide! For those who don't have their entire funds in by the beginning of summer, we will also hold occasional sessions at the program to help students make progress. If you raise more than enough money for your program fee, the excess money will be used to help others in the program cover their need, or if all needs are met, will be used to develop the program for future years.
Each year, 90%+ of the program has been covered by donations to individual students. This is the highest funding rate among the dozen (plus) Navs STPs across the country. We provide students with proven step-by-step funding materials, as well as on-going coaching from local Navigators staff prior to STP and from summer staff during STP. More than that, we're trusting God to provide! For those who don't have their entire funds in by the beginning of summer, we will also hold occasional sessions at the program to help students make progress. If you raise more than enough money for your program fee, the excess money will be used to help others in the program cover their need, or if all needs are met, will be used to develop the program for future years.
"What date do I need all my funds raised by?"
Payments will be withdrawn from your Navs account in two equal chunks - in late June and late July. Of course, it's advisable to pursue as close to 100% of your support before arriving, so that it isn't hanging over your head. Note that your initial $50 deposit will count towards your $2600 program fee. If, for some reason, you do not have enough raised at these benchmarks, you may need to make payments out of pocket.
Payments will be withdrawn from your Navs account in two equal chunks - in late June and late July. Of course, it's advisable to pursue as close to 100% of your support before arriving, so that it isn't hanging over your head. Note that your initial $50 deposit will count towards your $2600 program fee. If, for some reason, you do not have enough raised at these benchmarks, you may need to make payments out of pocket.
"What does the $2800 program fee cover?"
The program fee covers housing, food, activities, materials, and operating expenses. The majority ($1500) of this is for student housing and food alone. The remaining $1100 covers the activities, materials, and operating expenses.
The program fee covers housing, food, activities, materials, and operating expenses. The majority ($1500) of this is for student housing and food alone. The remaining $1100 covers the activities, materials, and operating expenses.
Jobs
"What kinds of jobs will participants have?"
We have good relationships with employers from a variety of companies in the Wisconsin Dells. Many of them are Christians, and value our program, or just have noticed that our students are of better quality than most summer workers. Currently, all Navigator students are employed at the Kalahari Resorts hotel and waterpark. Students will be employed as life guards, hospitality, front desk staff, concessions, housecleaning, or children's programming.
We have good relationships with employers from a variety of companies in the Wisconsin Dells. Many of them are Christians, and value our program, or just have noticed that our students are of better quality than most summer workers. Currently, all Navigator students are employed at the Kalahari Resorts hotel and waterpark. Students will be employed as life guards, hospitality, front desk staff, concessions, housecleaning, or children's programming.
"Am I guaranteed a job?"
With the Dells being such a summer tourism destination, there are a plethora of jobs available. With the program being the size it is now, we are able to line up all jobs prior to your arrival, through relationships we've established with local employers.
With the Dells being such a summer tourism destination, there are a plethora of jobs available. With the program being the size it is now, we are able to line up all jobs prior to your arrival, through relationships we've established with local employers.
"If I don't have a car, how will I get to work?"
We do ask everyone to bring a car if possible. That said, Dells students live together, and there are enough cars to go around. Typically, there are enough cars even within a team of 4-5 that sufficiently cover ride needs. Some people have chosen to walk or bike to work in the past as well.
We do ask everyone to bring a car if possible. That said, Dells students live together, and there are enough cars to go around. Typically, there are enough cars even within a team of 4-5 that sufficiently cover ride needs. Some people have chosen to walk or bike to work in the past as well.
Living in the Dells
"Where will participants sleep?"
STP students live together in a recently-built residence hall for seasonal workers. You will live with other Nav students in your room.
STP students live together in a recently-built residence hall for seasonal workers. You will live with other Nav students in your room.
"Will I have roommates?"
Yes. Each student in the program is part of a "team" which consists of a team leader and 3-4 team members. Depending on the housing assigned to your team, you'll have two roommates, usually from your team.
Yes. Each student in the program is part of a "team" which consists of a team leader and 3-4 team members. Depending on the housing assigned to your team, you'll have two roommates, usually from your team.
"How will meals work?"
Some food costs is included in the program fee. You'll get a weekly allowance deposited into your bank account, and with that you'll buy food for yourself. Teams can be strategic and eat meals together, if desired. Housing locations have the necessary cooking facilities. We will also share at least one large program meal together per week.
Some food costs is included in the program fee. You'll get a weekly allowance deposited into your bank account, and with that you'll buy food for yourself. Teams can be strategic and eat meals together, if desired. Housing locations have the necessary cooking facilities. We will also share at least one large program meal together per week.
Miscellaneous
"Will we have supervision at the program?"
Yes, indeed. There will be several full-time Navigators staff living in the Dells and staffing the Dells STP. There will also be 8-12 team leaders (older students) who will help lead each team. We will also have visiting Navigators staff throughout the summer, who come to help with training and speaking. Finally, we have local stakeholders who are invested in the program, who will be around town.
Yes, indeed. There will be several full-time Navigators staff living in the Dells and staffing the Dells STP. There will also be 8-12 team leaders (older students) who will help lead each team. We will also have visiting Navigators staff throughout the summer, who come to help with training and speaking. Finally, we have local stakeholders who are invested in the program, who will be around town.
"Are family vacations or other departures allowed?"
We very much value family in The Navigators, and know that it is difficult to have son/daughter who spends much of their summer away from home. All of our summer staff come from families with traditions, or have kids ourselves. As staff, giving our summer to the program involve things we sacrifice as well. The core STP policy on departures is that only a) family emergencies and b) weddings that a student is "standing up" in constitute excused departures from the program. We also will have a parents' experience planned for mid-July, for which we encourage all parents/families to come visit the program and enjoy the Dells! Parents are welcome to visit during other times as well; students should just be sure to communicate these visits to the staff. If you have questions about other unique conflicts, please email dellsstp@gmail.com.
We very much value family in The Navigators, and know that it is difficult to have son/daughter who spends much of their summer away from home. All of our summer staff come from families with traditions, or have kids ourselves. As staff, giving our summer to the program involve things we sacrifice as well. The core STP policy on departures is that only a) family emergencies and b) weddings that a student is "standing up" in constitute excused departures from the program. We also will have a parents' experience planned for mid-July, for which we encourage all parents/families to come visit the program and enjoy the Dells! Parents are welcome to visit during other times as well; students should just be sure to communicate these visits to the staff. If you have questions about other unique conflicts, please email dellsstp@gmail.com.
"I'm from Texas, and/or Mars. What's the big deal about Wisconsin Dells?"
Really?
Really?
Dells Area Info
"Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:7-8
1 Timothy 4:7-8
