It’s here, the moment you’ve been waiting for… It’s finally time to announce the conference themes for Montreat Youth Conference and Middle School Conference! As our flagship events for youth, the yearly themes for these conferences are often highly anticipated. That makes us really excited to share them!
But before we get started, a little background. Contrary to popular belief, Montreat Conference Center staff don’t pick the themes for Montreat Youth Conference or Middle School Conference. Instead, theme selection is driven exclusively by members of the Planning Teams for each conference — and it isn’t something they take lightly! After spending time together in worship, study, and reflection, team members work to identify the current needs of youth and discuss how they might be able to address those needs during the upcoming conference. They then start brainstorming, writing down as many different theme ideas as possible before systematically eliminating options that don’t match the identified goals for the conference. Finally, when the team has narrowed it down to 2-3 options, they will cast a blind vote to select what will ultimately become the next year’s theme. Speaking of which…
The Montreat Youth Conference Theme Is:
Wonder & Wander! Through this theme, the 2026 Montreat Youth Conference will connect people from different ages and backgrounds while striving to provide a trusting and inclusive community of belonging. Creative content that cultivates safe and brave spaces will honor different opinions and nurture honest discussions. We will guide faith development by assuming nothing, teaching everything, and providing opportunities for youth to engage and lead.
The Middle School Conference Theme Is:
Crafted by God! Discover how you are uniquely made during the 2026 Middle School Conference! Through worship, small groups, and recreation, middle school students will explore identity, purpose, and faith in a welcoming, fun-filled environment designed to deepen their connections with God, others, and themselves.
Registration for both events is currently open. We invite you to learn more about each of them using the links below!
This article was originally published in the October edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Experiencing Connection which highlights opportunities for youth and young adults at Montreat. Sign up to receive Experiencing Connection directly in your inbox by clicking here.