Current Conferences

2009 Youth Conferences at Montreat

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Energizers at a Montreat Youth Conference

“World on Fire”

Because of the condition of our world today, we need to be empowered to see how God is currently at work and equipped to participate in the body of Christ. Coming together, we will share stories and illustrations that connect faith and life, and challenge one another to experience God, find our voices, and be heard in our local and global communities.

The Montreat Youth Conferences are designed for high school students, entering freshmen through graduated seniors. A Youth Conference is a unique gathering of young people from all over the country for a week of study, worship, and recreation. Activities include morning energizers, music, keynote, small group meetings where the conference theme is explored, afternoon recreation activities, and evening worship.

Watch a promotional video produced by David Annett and the youth group at Knox Church, Cincinnatti, OH.

Conference Dates & Key Leaders

Youth I: June 7-13, 2009
Youth II: June 14-20, 2009

  • Scott Phillips, Vancouver, WA; Keynote; pastor, East Woods Presbyterian Church.
  • Tom Are, Prairie Village KS; Preacher; pastor, Village Presbyterian Church.
  • Rachel Pence, Jacksonville, FL; Recreation Leader; student at Queens University in Charlotte, NC.
  • Jorge Gonzalez, Louisville, KY; Co-Music Leader; Resident Chaplain, University of Louisville Hospital.
  • Eric Wall, Asheville, NC; Co-Music Leader; Music Director, First Presbyterian Church of Asheville.

Youth III: July 12-18 2009
Youth IV: July 19-25, 2009

  • Adele Halliday, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Keynote; program coordinator for cultural diversity, and anti- racist educator with The United Church of Canada.
  • Stephany D. G. Jackson, Louisville, KY; Preacher; Coordinator for Congregational Leadership with the Office of Christian Formation of the General Assembly.
  • Tricia Dillon Thomas, Sarasota, FL; Recreation Leader; graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary.
  • Bill Buchanan, Asheville, NC; Music Leader; Associate Pastor for Congregational and Community Life, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Youth V: July 26-August 1, 2009
Youth VI : August 2-8, 2009

  • Kelly Wiant-Thralls, Harrisburg, PA; Co-Keynoter; associate pastor of Market Square Presbyterian Church.
  • Francis Miller, Cleveland Heights OH; Co-Keynoter; pastor, Noble Road Presbyterian Church.
  • John Fife, Tucson, AZ; Preacher; pastor emeritus of Southside Presbyterian Church.
  • Tara Spuhler McCabe, Washington DC; Recreation Leader; Associate for Congregational Life, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
  • John Lee, Daly City, CA; Music Leader; Parish Associate at Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church in San Francisco.

Program Fee

  • on or before January 16: $224
  • after January 16: price will increase

Scholarships are available for this conference.

Registration Information

You must register all youth groups as a block using the 2009 Youth Conference Registration Packet. There will be no registrations by phone. If you would like the registration packet mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org or write Montreat Conference Center, P.O. Box 969, Montreat, NC 28757, or call 800.572.2257, ext. 338.

Questions? Contact the registrar, susieb[at]montreat.org.

General Information for All Youth Conferences

  • Eligibility: The Montreat Youth Conferences are designed for high school students, entering freshmen through graduated seniors. All groups must include at least one adult for every six young people. Adults must be housed with their youth.
  • Housing: There are numerous housing options to meet the needs of various size groups, including Assembly Inn, Winsborough Inn, and Glen Rock Inn, which include meals in the Galax Dining Room in the Assembly Inn. Other housing options within a five minute walking distance are Montreat College, which offers dorm rooms and meals in Howerton Cafeteria, and William Black Lodge, which offers lodge accommodations and meals at the lodge. Prices for Assembly Inn, Winsborough, Glen Rock Inn, Montreat College dorms and William Black Lodge are listed in the registration packet. Private housing is also an option with housing accommodations and meal arrangements made between the church and the private cottage owner. You may request a private cottage list by emailing carolo[at]montreat.org. For more information concerning private housing, download helpful hints.
  • Conference Schedule: A Youth Conference is a unique gathering of young people from all over the country for a week of study, worship, and recreation. A typical day at Youth Conference includes morning energizers, music, keynote, small group meetings where the conference theme is explored, afternoon recreation activities, and evening worship, as well as other options (Wednesday afternoon is free). See specific dates above for leadership information. Registration will begin at 3:00 PM on Sunday. The conference will run from Sunday supper through Saturday breakfast.
  • Opportunities for College Students: You have an opportunity to participate in the Youth Conference as a member of the Collegiate Work Crew. We are looking for college students who want to attend the conference with their church groups. You will have the chance to help the conference planning team during the week. You will work behind the scenes, learn the ropes, and get a close-up look at what is involved in running a Youth Conference. Look for more Work Crew information in your Back Home packet. No application is necessary; just make sure that you are registered as a part of your church group.
  • Small Group Leaders: If you are 21 + and are interested in applying to be a small group leader for the Youth Conferences, call 800.572.2257, ext. 327, or download a Small Group Leader Application. You may be both a small group leader and a back home leader if there is another adult with your home group attending the conference. Your registration fee is waived, and your room, board, and travel are covered! All small group leaders must be members of congregations that are members of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (for a listing of member churches, go to World Alliance of Reformed Churches).
  • Opportunities for Younger Children: Learn more about the Clubs & Child Care program. Pre-registration is required. Enrollment is limited.
  • Cancellation Policy: See the registration packet for cancellation details.

Additional Youth Conference Resources

Check out other opportunities for youth and young adults offered by the Center for Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Download Registration PDF »