When most people think about Montreat’s summer conferences, they picture energizers, worship, games on the lawn, and deep conversations in small groups. What many don’t realize is that every unlocked door, clean room, and perfectly placed chair is made possible by the Aud Crew. They are an often unseen, but essential, part of Montreat conferences.
I spent three days with Aud Crew and got a close up look at the people that keep things running smoothly. Ava, James, and Scott showed me everything that goes into being a member of the crew. They answered my endless questions with patience, explained every task, and gave me the full Aud Crew experience. Their responsibilities include; setting up the stage for keynote and worship, setting up rooms for small groups, hauling supplies across the town, cleaning up spaces after use, picking up trash, and keeping track of who needs what and where. Every piece of the conference puzzle eventually lands in their hands.
The energy and joy of the crew shines during their favorite tradition: the AV/Aud Olympics. Held every Thursday night during the Youth Conference Variety Show, this goofy, high-energy event gets the AV and Aud teams on stage in Anderson Auditorium. They compete in a series of games, from relay races to hilarious challenges. It’s a moment that recognizes not just their hard work, but their personality, humor, and the important role they play in the conference experience. Afterwards, the night continues with a conference-land trip to Cookout. For the Aud Crew, it’s a night where the spotlight turns their way and they get to shine.
What impressed me most during my time with the crew wasn’t just their productivity or their ability to build a human pyramid during the olympics, it was the way that they care for one another. If one of them is dragging a heavy table, someone jumps in before being asked to help. When one needs a smile after a long shift, they are there to cheer each other up. It isn’t just work; it’s a community.
Each task gave me a deeper appreciation for how much time and effort goes into making Montreat feel like Montreat. They may not be the ones on stage, but they are the ones who make things possible. The conference doesn’t run without them, and after spending a few days in their shoes, it’s clear that they wouldn’t want it any other way. They love their job not because it’s easy, but because they’re needed. So, the next time you walk into an organized room or find your pew clean, take a moment to think about the people who made it happen. The Aud crew may not seek the spotlight, but they have more than earned it.
Kayden Foyles is the marketing assistant at Montreat Conference Center as part of Summer Staff. She is a rising senior at North Carolina State University studying Communication Media.
