ryeX Middle School Montreat Youth Conference 2026

Date:
Wednesday, July 15 - Sunday, July 19, 2026

Grades:
Rising 6th grade to 8th grade

Cost:
$535
Scholarships are available
to help offset the cost of the trip. Contact victoria@roswellpres.org 
for details.

Location:
Maryville College,
Maryville, TN

Leaders:
Kerri Irwin

Rising 6th, 7th, 8th graders are invited to dive deeper into their faith at the Montreat Middle School Conference.

The Middle School Conference is designed for youth who have completed fifth, sixth, or seventh, by summer 2026, and for their group leaders. Students and leaders will stay in campus housing. The daily schedule includes keynote, worship, recreation, singing, small groups, and many other activities.

The conference will be held at Maryville College, a PC(USA) affiliated private college, located in Maryville, TN, between the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville.

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. Students and their leaders will debrief the amazing events and emotions of each day. Accommodations Dorm rooms have twin beds. All rooms are air-conditioned. Students will eat all meals in the Maryville College dining room. 

Conference Leadership

Melanie Marsh
Preacher
Rev. Melanie Marsh is a Pastor in Miami Florida. She has been attending Montreat conferences for most of her life, and has served as a planning team member, keynote speaker, and now preacher for the middle school conference! She loves creative arts of all kinds, especially dance, and spending time outside with her kids, especially at the beach.
Drew Wilmesherr
Keynote Speaker
Drew Wilmesherr is the campus minister for UKirk Atlanta working with college students at Agnes Scott and Emory University. When he’s not doing that, he’s either making music and movies with his friends, working on his latest screenplay, or re-enacting Phineas and Ferb-style schemes in real life with his children.
Emily Wilmesherr
Keynote Speaker
Emily Wilmesherr is the Associate Pastor for Intergenerational and Caring Ministries at Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia and a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary. Emily is a big fan of mystery books, Broadway music, and sipping coffee at cozy coffee shops. She loves going on adventures with her husband, Drew, and their two daughters—whether it's taking walks outside or discovering cool new places!
DJ Boyd
Music Leader
​Worship Leader is my passion! I'm excited anytime we can use music and creative arts to connect people with God. I've been doing this music thing for over 25 years and when I'm not doing that I'm enjoying working out, exploring parks and quiet places, and anything related to the arts.
Cade Johnson
Recreation Leader
Cade is a senior at the University of Georgia, studying Journalism with a focus on the broadcast track. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career at a broadcast news station. Outside of school, Cade enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends, and proudly Calling the Dawgs!


QUESTIONS?

 
Kerri Irwin
Director of Middle School Ministry
kerri@roswellpres.org

Rev. Victoria Robinson
 Associate Pastor of Youth Discipleship & Ministry
victoria@roswellpres.org

Cole Sandrigde
Assistant Director of Youth Ministry
cole@roswellpres.org

Emily Kampras
Ministry Assistant for Discipleship
emily.kampras@roswellpres.org

Betsy Homer
Senior Director of Worship & Programs
betsy@roswellpres.org

BUILDING ADDRESS
755 Mimosa Blvd.
Roswell, GA 30075

Directions

MAILING ADDRESS
PO BOX 988
Roswell, GA 30077

770-993-6316

rpcinfo@roswellpres.org