Get Involved with Montreat

Backhome leaders are people who bring groups to Montreat Youth or Middle School Conferences. It’s a great way to get involved in the lives of young people. You will travel with them to the conferences and walk with them through the Montreat experiences.

Backhome leaders often help plan the trip, and serve as the chaperone and support while the group is on-site. This is a really rewarding experience, but its not for the faint of heart.

Please visit the Middle School Conference Back Home Leader Info page or the Montreat Youth Conference Back Home Leader Info page for resources and necessary information to help your youth conference experience be a success.

If you are 21 or older and can contribute some part of your summer, keep reading! Small Group Leaders provide critical guidance for the heart of the youth conferences. Small Group Leaders (SGLs) receive FREE room, board, and travel, but they also expend lots of time and energy.

If you are a back home leader the same week that you are selected to be an SGL, be sure you have plenty of other adults to chaperone your group! Better yet, come some other week of the summer so you can devote your full energy to the conference!

If you are interested in applying to be a SGL for the Youth Conferences, please click on the application button below. All Small Group Leaders must be members of congregations that are members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (for a listing of member churches, go to www.wcrc.ch).

Please note that a reference from a pastor, church educator, or presbytery executive is required as part of your application. Your application will not be considered complete until we receive their reference. The application will be available in early January 2025.

Training is required for all Small Group Leaders.

First-time Youth Conference SGLs will be required to attend the SGL onboarding training for your conference weeks. Every Youth Conference SGL (first-time and returning SGLs) must attend the onsite training. Middle School Conference SGLs are required to attend a Zoom training and the onsite training.

All training times are listed as Eastern Daylight Time. These training times are:

• Youth Conference 1 & 2:
  • First time Small Group Leaders – Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30 pm by Zoom.
  • All SGLs will arrive Saturday the day before their conference week begins by 5:00 pm for Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon training.
• Youth Conference 3 & 4:
  • First time Small Group Leaders – Thursday, June 26th at 6:30 pm by Zoom.
  • All SGLs will arrive Saturday the day before their conference week begins by 5:00 pm for Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon training.
• Youth Conference 5 & 6:
  • First time Small Group Leaders – Thursday, July 10th at 6:30 pm by Zoom.
  • All SGLs will arrive Saturday the day before their conference week begins by 5:00 pm for Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon training.
• Middle School Conference: There will be two sessions, one on Zoom and one in-person. The in-person meeting is mandatory for everyone. Please choose one Zoom meeting time below (link will be emailed).
  • Zoom: Saturday, June 28th at 10:00 am–Noon
  • Zoom: Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 at 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Zoom: Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • In-Person: Wednesday, July 16 at 4:30 pm–5:30 pm at Maryville College

Note about Youth Conference SGLs: SGLs should plan to arrive in Montreat on the Saturday before their conference, ready to meet at 5:00 pm.

For more information, contact Cheryl Payne at cherylp@montreat.org or 828.419.9833.

MYC and MSC Planning Team Application

MYC Planning Team FAQ

MSC Planning Team FAQ

Have questions? Contact Cheryl Payne at cherylp@montreat.org or 828.419.9833.

Short Term Volunteers
Throughout the year, more than 300 amazing volunteers generously give of their time and special skills across all areas of Montreat Conference Center’s ministry. Judging by their smiles, enthusiasm, and their return every year, being a Montreat Volunteer is a fun way to spend your free time while you’re here! Learn more.

Financial Support
Revenues from programs, hospitality, and retail only cover 85% of our annual operating budget. Therefore, the conference center depends on the generous support of community members, churches, businesses, and visitors to fund our many ministries. Learn how you can support Montreat with a financial gift here.