2027 Montreat Youth Conferences

Name: 2027 Montreat Youth Conferences
Start: 2027-06-06
End: 2027-08-07
Location: Montreat Conference Center

Orbiting Faith

June 6–August 7, 2027 SummerYouth

A Montreat Conference Center program

2027 Dates

Week 1	June 6-12
Week 2	June 13–19
Week 3	July 11-17

Week 4	July 18-24
Week 5	July 25-31
Week 6	August 1-7

Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.

Youth leave Montreat knowing that:

Their faith matters.
They are loved as they are.
They are part of a community of faith.
They are empowered to act for change in the world.

Check out the MYC Guidebook!

Feeling overwhelmed? Need some clarification about something? Check out the MYC Guidebook! We’ve collected lots of information we think you might need all in one, easy to access place.

Visit the MYC Guidebook

Sign Up for Email Alerts!

Use the form below to sign up for emails related to Montreat Youth Conference. You’ll also be signed up for our monthly newsletter.

Need to talk to a real person?

Have questions about registering? Contact Hope Barker at hopeb@montreat.org or by phone at 828.419.9828.
Have questions about housing? Contact Daphne Waggener at daphnew@montreat.org or by phone at 828.419.9809.
Have logistical questions or need resources? Send an email to youthreg@montreat.org.
Are you a new group or a group who hasn’t come in a few years? Send an email to youthreg@montreat.org.

Leaders

Youth Conference Weeks 1 & 2

Pam Driesell – Keynote Leader

Pam is married to Joe, and they have four adult children. They love to spend time together with family and friends on a small island in Maine, where they hike, kayak, read, talk politics and religion, culture and psychology, literature and the arts; sing and dance, cook and eat together, gaze at the stars, marvel at the light, and give thanks!

Jasiel Hernandez Garcia – Preacher

Jasiel grew up in a Presbyterian family in the beautiful town of Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico—a place known for its colonial architecture, coffee, mountain views, and nearly perfect weather. His journey brought him to the United States to attend Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas, and later to Schreiner University. He earned his Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Montreat holds a special place in Jasiel’s story. In 2017, while attending Austin Seminary, he served on the Ministry Team for the Montreat Youth Conference—an unforgettable summer that helped shape his ministry and deepened his love for the Montreat community. Returning as a Preacher for Weeks 1 and 2 feels a little like coming home. When he is not at church, Jasiel enjoys art and museums, long drives through the Hill Country on sunny days, and finding welcoming coffee shops where he can write, dream, and connect with people.

Chris Vogado – Music Leader

Chris serves as pastor of Salem Presbyterian Church. A lifelong Presbyterian from Maryville, Tennessee, Chris earned a degree in Religious Studies from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. He has served churches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Indiana, and is passionate about helping people discover God's grace and grow as followers of Jesus. Chris is married to Rachel Vogado, who is also an ordained Presbyterian pastor. Outside of ministry, he enjoys a wide variety of music, kayaking, and backyard astronomy. When asked his favorite thing about being Presbyterian, Chris's answer is simple: "Grace. It's all about grace!"

John Fawcett – Music Leader

John is the Pastor at First Presbyterian in Smithfield, NC. John has been leading music in worship and retreat settings for over 25 years. When not holding a guitar, John enjoys spending time with his family (his wife - Madeline, his baby son - Grady and his affectionate dog - Birdie), collecting vinyl records and cassettes, and watching song birds off his back deck at home.

Genevieve Brooks– Recreation Leader

Genevieve serves as the Director of Family Ministry at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has spent her career creating joyful, welcoming spaces where children, youth, and families can learn, connect, play, and grow in faith. Her ministry began as a Summer Camp Coordinator on the North Carolina coast, and since then she has led retreats and conferences with Massanetta Springs Middle School Conferences, Camp Don Lee, Lake Junaluska, and Presbyterian youth ministries across the Carolinas, most recently directing the 2026 Arts, Recreation, and Worship Conference. Genevieve believes recreation is a powerful way to build community, experience joy, practice our faith, and partner with the Holy Spirit. When she’s not leading a retreat or getting people to play a game, Genevieve is probably drinking strong coffee, listening to bluegrass or 90s country, sailing with her husband Alex, or dancing in the kitchen with her two kids.

Alejandro Salas-Hernandez – Recreation Leader

Alejandro likes to play Dungeons and Dragons and going hiking, paddle boarding in the river or grilling. The dude has worked for non profits as operator and social worker. He has a couple of Peace Corps services under his belt and is excited for another year at Montreat!

Youth Conference Weeks III & IV

Gail Henderson-Belsito– Keynote Leader

Gail is a dreamer, traveler, mother, daughter, wife, sister, and beloved child of God. She calls herself a "Free Range Pastor" - which means that she goes wherever God leads and people invite her, preaching, teaching, and speaking about hope in a world that desperately needs to hear good news. Her favorite activities include journaling, eating gluten free chocolate chip cookies, and going for long walks on the streets of Madrid, Spain.

John Molina-Moore – Preacher

John is the General Presbyter of National Capital Presbytery. He works with churches and pastors in the greater Washington DC area to answer the call of what The Church will be for today and tomorrow. John is an age appropriate adrenaline junkie, armchair astrophysicist, and enjoys thorough debates on who is the G.O.A.T.

Howard Dudley– Music Leader

Howard has been coming to Montreat since he was in High School. When he's not playing guitar with his dear friend Allen Amos, he's the Senior Pastor at the Kirk of Kildaire in Cary, North Carolina.

Allen Amos– Music Leader

Allen joined the New Hope staff in 2015. He grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina and began playing piano for worship services at his home church, First Presbyterian, at the age of ten. He is currently a band teacher at Durham School of the Arts in Durham, NC and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Allen is married to Leah Amos, and they have two daughters.

Lauren Hood – Recreation Leader

Lauren is the Director of Youth and College Ministries at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. She is a graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary and is under care at Foothills Presbytery on the way to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament - woohoo! In her free time, she works at maintaining her status of being in the top 0.01% of Kesha fans and runs into church ladies at pilates. An avid fan of the Gamecocks, fidgets, and a lavender honey latte. She can't wait to start a revolution and wave a flag with you!

Jeremy Trantham – Recreation Leader

Jeremy will enter his final year of seminary school at Union Presbyterian Seminary (Charlotte campus) this fall, and is an Inquirer with the Presbytery of New Hope. He grew up in nearby Hendersonville and now lives in Durham with his wife, son, and a dog who is as ridiculous as he is lazy. Jeremy enjoys cooking on his outdoor griddle, watching the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, and playing tennis as often as his busy schedule and aging body allow.

Youth Conference Weeks V & VI

Irene Pak Lee – Keynote Leader

Irene grew up in the Wild West of Utah. She was born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Korea and is a cradle Presbyterian. After serving churches in the Bay Area of California, the mountains called her back home and she now serves as the Pastor and Head of Staff at Wasatch Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City, UT. Irene is married and has two young children. Fun fact: She's a classically trained musician (cello) who loves hip hop dancing.

Ben Brannan – Keynote Leader

Ben is the Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia, where his passion for youth development and faith formation comes to life. A former assistant camp director at YMCA Camp Cherokee, soccer player and coach, and teacher, he brings camp energy, team spirit, and curiosity into everything he does. Outside of the church, you can find him teaching group fitness or yoga classes, exploring the outdoors with his son and their dog, or happily saying “yes” to the next new adventure.

Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo – Preacher

Edwin is the director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Born and raised in Santurce, Edwin is a pastor, pickleball player, and kitchen aficionado who finds wonder in both good conversations with close friends and the power of community in moments of human crisis. When he’s not coordinating faith-based relief efforts across the globe, you’ll likely find him in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, on the pickleball court, or waiting for the perfect cup of coffee brewed in his trusty greca. Above all, he is a man who deeply loves his wife, Flor, and his family, and who believes that hope, like a good home-cooked meal, is best when shared.

Kimberly Mendoza– Music Leader

Kim is the Associate Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Flower Mound, TX. She is a proud Filipino-American who embraces her west coast roots. Kim loves to run (especially when she's excited), cheering on the Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Lakers, and listening to people sing in worship.

Isaac Moshay– Music Leader

Isaac is a pianist, organist, conductor, and arranger from Houston, Texas. Since 2021, he has served as Minister of Music at Ebenezer Third Baptist Church in Austin while pursuing graduate studies in choral conducting at The University of Texas at Austin. A graduate of Huston-Tillotson University with a degree in piano performance, Isaac is passionate about helping people connect with God through music and worship. Outside of music, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and visiting presidential libraries across the country.

Eric Dillenbeck – Recreation Leader

Eric is an ordained Presbyterian Pastor, having served congregations in SC, GA, and OH. He currently works for a nonprofit organization called Youth Opportunities Unlimited in Cleveland, OH which focuses on youth workforce development. Through his work Eric helps over 2000 young people use summer employment to figure out what it is they want to do with their life. This work feels like a continuation of his work in the church which focused on youth and young adult ministry.

Tricia Dillon Thomas – Recreation Leader

Tricia is the Director of Programs at the Presbyterian Leadership Collaborative and co-founder of Soul Ventures International, a women’s travel community focused on connection, creation, and adventure. She and her husband, Clayton, have four kids, and she loves reading, being near the water, exploring new places, and finding the best local bookstores and coffee shops wherever she travels. Tricia is excited to be back “home” at Montreat.

What Is MYC?

Worship & Keynote

Worship and keynote engage youth in the theme and challenge all in attendance to faith exploration and growth. Using scripture, Reformed theology, and song, youth are affirmed and united as children of God. During keynote, everyone gathers for group building, announcements, and song. During worship, youth hear the Word of God proclaimed in word, song, and action.

Small Group

Small group is a place where youth can share their journey of faith with peers through respectful conversations. Small group sessions are led by trained adult leaders who facilitate honest discussions about the themes presented in keynote and worship. It is an important time where youth can dive deeper into the conference theme, while forming bonds and making dear friends with youth outside of their congregation.

Recreation

We engage youth physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in events that build up the Christian community while having fun! We believe that people who can play together can pray together; people who can sing together can talk together; and people who can dance together can walk together.

Back Home Time

Back Home Groups are the people you come with to Montreat. Each evening groups gather together to connect through prayer and conversation. Our hope is that experiences in keynote, worship, small groups, and recreation will provide all the content youth need to have some meaningful conversations with their back home group. Materials are provided to help adult leaders debrief the amazing events and emotions of each day with their youth.

Mission

We are all invited to participate in God's mission in the world by serving our neighbors. In addition to collecting offerings on behalf of different mission partners each week, Montreat Conference Center builds mission opportunities into the weekly programming with opportunities are as varied as packaging meals for food insecure communities to educational opportunities to bring change to your home communities. Montreat also partners with local organizations for optional add-on mission programming for groups attending the Montreat Youth Conferences. For more information about those opportunities, please visit the Ways to Participate menu.

Conference & Housing Rates

We want you to be as informed as possible before you register! We've created a page with a lot of information pertaining to registration, conference participation, and things to know while you're here. We highly encourage you to read it before filling out the registration form. It should answer a lot of your questions. Below is information about scholarships, the cost of conference registration per participant, and the combined cost of conference registration and Conference Center and College housing.

Click For MYC Guidebook

Scholarships

We think Youth Conference is an important and formative part of a young person's faith journey and understand that it's not something affordable to everyone. As such, we have a limited number of scholarships available for this conference.

Please fill out one form for your whole group. We will begin processing applications on a first come, first serve basis in January.

Conference Cost

Registrations made before April 1 require a $100 per person deposit paid to the conference registrar no more than 10 days after registering.

Registrations made after April 1 require the conference fee balance to be paid in full within 10 days.

On or Before April 1
($100 deposit)

After April 1
(paid in full)

Conference Registration

Housing & meals not included.
Includes $5 community services fee

$355

$405

Conference Center & College Housing Options

Montreat Conference Center Housing Info

Rates are PER PERSON and include room for six nights and meals in the Katherine "Kat" McKay Belk Dining Room in Assembly Inn (Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast). Linens are included. A $50 per person non-refundable housing deposit is required (this is included in your $100 registration deposit).

Weeks 1-6

Single Occupancy

Double Occupancy

Triple Occupancy

Assembly Inn

Private Bathroom
Limited Availability; goes quickly

$885

$570

$465*

Assembly Inn

Shared Bathroom
Limited Availability; goes quickly

$795

$525

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Winsborough

Shared Bathroom
Modest Housing

$615

$435

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* A limited number of triple occupancy Assembly Inn with private bath rooms are available.

Montreat College Dorm Housing Info

Rates are PER PERSON (regardless of how many are in a room) and include room for six nights and meals in Montreat College's Howerton Hall (Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast). Linens are not included. A $50 per person non-refundable housing deposit is required (this is included in your $100 registration deposit).

View pictures of the dorms here.

For more information about college housing or to reserve accommodations, please contact montreatconferenceservices@montreat.edu.

	Per Person Rate
Anderson Hall*** Private Bathroom All rooms have two twin beds	$562
Howerton Hall** Private and Shared Bathrooms Rooms have a mix of two and three twin beds	$466
McGregor Hall** Shared Bathroom Rooms have a mix of two and three twin beds	$532
Davis Hall* Hall Bathroom All rooms have three twin beds	$466

*All rooms in Davis Hall have three twin beds.
**Rooms in Howerton Hall and McGregor Hall either have two twin beds or three twin beds. Third person in a room may need to bring their own sleeping bag, air mattress, or cot.
***All rooms in Anderson Hall have two twin beds. Third person in a room must bring their own sleeping bag, air mattress, or cot.

Private Housing

Make your own arrangements directly with a private cottage owner or rental agency. A private cottager list can be acquired by emailing Daphne Waggener at daphnew@montreat.org.

Refunds & Cancellations

Please view the Youth Conference Guidebook for information regarding refunds and cancellations.

Registering "Extra" Adults

To accommodate groups that bring additional adults to serve as cooks, drivers, or in other support roles, wristbands will be available for purchase online beginning in Spring 2027 and on site during check-in. These wristbands provide access to Keynote and Recreation activities

Wristband	Price
Keynote/Rec	$175
Recreation Only	$20

Ways to Participate

Montreat Youth Conference is for graduated 8th grade to graduated 12th grade young people and their leaders. Participation in MYC includes access to Keynote and Worship, Conference Recreation,—like late-evening energizer parties, scavenger hunts, and other activities—and Small Groups where you’ll unpack the message of the day and build bonds with other Youth and with God.

Opportunities for Youth

Jeremiah Project (JP) More information about this program can be found in the Guidebook.

Opportunities for Group Leaders

Small Group Leaders (SGL) Small Group Leaders provide critical guidance for the heart of the Youth and Middle School Conferences by leading small groups. The application will be available after the first of the year.

Learn more about SGL

Back Home Leaders (BHL) are the people that bring youth to Montreat. They often help plan the trip, serve as chaperones while the group is onsite, and guide evening discussions and debriefs in the Back Home Groups.

Chaperones are important to the MYC experience. Chaperones act as drivers, cooks, and covenant protectors. We recommend 1 registered adult per every six (6) youth that attend.

Other Opportunities

MYC wouldn’t be able to exist without the important work done by our wonderful volunteers. As such, there are always opportunities to participate in MYC in support and planning roles! You can register to be a part of a Planning Team or become a Small Group Leader to lead our young people in discussion. For all opportunities, visit montreat.org/get-involved.

Montreat Mission Experience with Asheville Youth Mission

Sunday Mission Experience

Join Asheville Youth Mission for an afternoon of service and reflection from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Cost: $15 per participant
Lunch is not included
Box lunches may be pre-ordered from Montreat for $15 per person

Wednesday Mission Experience

Groups may also participate in the traditional Wednesday afternoon mission experience, serving with a local agency from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per participant

You can learn more about Asheville Youth Mission at youthmissionco.org/asheville-youth-mission. You will receive additional participation details in your Youth Conference confirmation email.

Resources

MYC Guidebook

We want you to be as informed as possible before you register! We've created a page with a lot of information pertaining to registration, conference participation, and what to expect once you're here. We highly encourage you to read it before filling out the registration form. It should answer a lot of your questions.

Click here for the MYC Guidebook

Attendee Map

Looking to travel to MYC with another church in your area? See the map below.

Attendee Map Link

First Youth Conference?

Is this your first time bringing a group to Montreat? We want to help! Please send an email to youthreg@montreat.org.

Back Home Leader Information

Back Home Leaders are super important to the Montreat Experience! The link at the button below will provide you with resources and the necessary information to help your youth conference experience be a success.

Click here for Back Home Leader Info