Forge Your Purpose. Master the Skills. Answer the Call.

The essential 4-month training program for aspiring humanitarians and first responders. Prepare your body, soul, and spirit for a life of service.

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See the 2026 Schedule

Applications for Chazak Foundations 2026 are now open. Deadline is November 30, 2025.

Your Path With Chazak Academy

Chazak Foundations is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're committed to a career with Chazak Rescue or seeking foundational training for other ministry opportunities, this course is your starting point.

For applicants to Chazak Academy

Get Oriented

Know what you're signing up for

Get a full preview of Chazak Academy life and training before making a long-term commitment. Foundations gives you an honest look at what life in crisis zones, disaster deployments, and Chazak’s team culture is really like.

Build Real Skills

Develop yourself body, soul, & spirit

This isn’t just theory. You’ll earn nationally recognized certifications, develop physical discipline, grow in spiritual maturity, and gain tools that translate across any ministry or crisis setting.

Discern Your Path

Make your decision based on experience

No pressure. After completing Foundations, you’ll decide whether to continue the path to Chazak Academy. We’ll also take that time to get to know you, evaluate your fit for the mission, and walk you through the next steps if accepted.

This program is the required first step. It provides a comprehensive taste of the training covered in the first two years of the Chazak Academy, allowing you to understand what training with us truly entails. It’s our chance to get to know you, and your chance to confirm your calling before making a final commitment. Upon completion, you will make your final decision to continue, and we will extend invitations to the fall Academy class.

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For Students Not Joining Chazak Academy

Serve Anywhere

Build skills that travel well

From disaster relief to rural missions, you’ll learn the fundamentals of spiritual, medical, and logistical readiness. You'll leave equipped for short-term trips or local ministry that requires flexibility, resilience, and cross-cultural sensitivity.

Explore Your Calling

Discover God's heart for you

Foundations gives you a structured environment to explore international service, missions, or crisis response, without having to commit to a full program or long-term team.

Leave Equipped

Finish inspired and equipped

You’ll finish the course with certifications, tools, and practical knowledge in areas like field medicine, cross-cultural outreach, and biblical grounding. All things that matter whether you’re going short-term or long-haul.

Chazak Foundations isn’t only for Chazak's Cadets. This course is designed for anyone preparing to serve internationally, volunteer in crisis zones, or simply grow in readiness for missions. Whether you're headed overseas for a short-term trip or stepping into local outreach, Foundations gives you the mindset, tools, and training to serve effectively.

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Key Modules Include:

Over 4 months, you’ll complete a mix of remote coursework and in-person training. From Bible study to wilderness medicine, you’ll learn hands-on, earn certifications, and train with Chazak staff and partner ministries, all while exploring what it means to live and lead in international ministry.

Wilderness First Responder Certification

Incident Command Systems 100 & 200

Land of Promise Conference

Perspectives

See Full Course Syllabus

A Clear Look at Your Investment

Paid Directly to Chazak

Base Price

$5,250*

*All applicants who are accepted into the Chazak Rescue training will receive a $1,000 discount toward their first tuition payment for Year 1 of the Academy.

Additional Expenses

Not Paid to Chazak

~$215

Land of Promise Registration

~$430

Perspectives Registration

~$100

Course Books

~$100

All personal travel to and from training events in Pennsylvania.

Total Estimated Proce

$5,995

+ travel & some food and lodging

Students must have (these items may be an additional expense):

Laptop with a full keyboard
Clothing for being outdoors for WFR regardless of weather
Microsoft Office (for Teams)

Start Your Application

Paid Directly to Chazak

Base Price

$4,250

All applicants who are accepted into the Chazak Rescue training will receive a $1,000 discount toward their first tuition payment for Year 1 of the Academy.

Additional Expenses

Not Paid to Chazak

~$215

Land of Promise Registration

~$225

Perspectives Registration

~$100

Course Books

~$100

All personal travel to and from training events in Pennsylvania.

Total Estimated Proce

$4,790

+ travel & LOP food and lodging

Students must have (these items may be an additional expense):

Laptop with a full keyboard
Clothing for being outdoors for WFR regardless of weather
Microsoft Office (for Teams)

Start Your Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be planning to join Chazak Academy to take this course?

No. While Foundations is required for anyone applying to Chazak Academy, it's also open to anyone who wants serious, practical training for ministry, missions, or crisis response.

What’s the difference between credit and non-credit students?

The training content is the same for both. Credit students complete full coursework and are eligible for Academy acceptance. Non-credit students still attend all sessions and trainings, but their training wouldn't receive college credits.

Can I work a job while doing Foundations?

Yes, during the at-home training portion from about January through March, expect about 15 hours of weekly work. The April portion is fully in-person and will require you to step away from other obligations.
See schedule

Is this course only for people going overseas?

Not at all. Whether you're called to missions, relief work, or simply want to be ready when crisis hits your own community, Foundations is about being equipped to serve wherever God sends you.

Your Journey Starts Now.

If you are ready to be challenged, equipped, and sent, take the first step. Complete the application below before the November 30th deadline. Our admissions team will review your submission and be in touch with the next steps.

Start Your Application