After the Trip! TWB Reflections

TWB Reflections!








The Trip 1 participants gave the following quotes about their TWB experience this summer:

“I have made friends of a lifetime and experienced this country like I never will again on TWB; I can whole-heartedly say I will miss it” – Ashley Kennedy, Moorseville, NC

“Best experience of my life” – Daniel LaCourse, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is an incredible, unique trip where I learned more about myself as I explored my country, and I have 80 friends to share it with.” – Katie Slaughter, Fernandina Beach, FL

“This trip has been amazing and I wish I could go again.” –Corbin Larry, Monroe, NC

“TWB isn’t just a trip where you travel and meet your family but a place you learn about yourself as a person and a friend.” –Elise Aldridge, Charlotte, NC

“I wish everyone, especially, my mom, could enjoy this experience.” – Makayla Ennis, Salisbury, NC

“TWB is a trip of a lifetime all about opening up, having fun, and making new friends all while experiencing the beauty of America.” – Reagan Reynolds, Irmo, SC

“TWB was amazing for me, It will definitely a life changing experience; you’ll make amazing new friends that will last a lifetime.” – Carmen Fraley, Granite Quarry, NC

“You meet so many new people and have a new perspective on how to live life.” – Sidney Seaford, Salisbury, NC

“TWB is great and you meet so many awesome people! –Melody Dennison, Mount Holly, NC

“Once in a lifetime experience and I love it so much.”- Logan MacQueen, Kannapolis, NC

“This trip is something that makes your summer hard to forget!! – Alex Hayes, Mooresville, NC

“Something I will never forget.” – Abby Petry, Davison, NC

“Best experience of my life” – James Bryne, Irmo, NC

“TWB is an awesome experience” – Richard Whitfield, Moorseville, NC

“This has been the adventure of a lifetime and allowed me to see the best and worst parts of myself and embrace all of them.”- Kaden Mclemore, Marsheville, NC

“TWB was definitely an experience to remember where I learned so much about myself and made so many new friends.” – Katlyn McCoy, Mocksville, NC

“TWB is an eye opening experience with unforgettable people and places.” – Claire Thompson, Gibsonville, NC

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience you will not regret.” – Albert Bright, Cornelius, NC

“TWB is a life changing experience that has not only opened my eyes to all the USA has to offer, but also the life-long friendships that are created along the way.” –Kristen Ahoush, Stoneville, NC

“I can’t put into words how great this trip has been. All I can say is that I’ve had time of my life and will never forget this trip.” – Bryce Taylor, Eden, NC

“Words cannot describe the sights you see and the friendships you make with people along the way.” – Jack O’Tuel, Belmont, NC

“The more you embarrass yourself, the more fun you’ll have.” – Ethan Balkum, Union, SC

“As you look to your right that is where they made Breaking Bad or about two hours.” – Tristan Harrell, Raleigh, NC

“TWB has been a trip of a lifetime. I met 82 new friends that have become family, discovered this beautiful country I live in, and grew closer in my relationship with God. I will never forget this amazing trip.” – Taylor Poteate, Harrisburg, NC

“The most life changing trip of my life.” – Elsa Schuls, Gastonia, NC

“Something you just can’t miss out on.” – Lucy Sigmon, Gastonia, NC

“Being yourself and opening up to everyone is difficult, yet necessary to getting the most out of TWB.” – Ali Gerig, Kannapolis, NC

“My TWB experience is unexplainably amazing. It is priceless.” – Jackson Purcell, Laurinburg, NC

“I’m so glad I went on TWB and I’ll look back on the trip for the rest of my life.” – Megan Vahey, Huntersville, NC

“God put the greatest things in life behind fear. TWB is great representation of that.” – Thomas Parmiter, Statesville, NC

“Never would have guessed I could see so many beautiful sights and meet so many amazing people in 23 days.” – Hannah Turner, Vale, NC

“I will always look back on the amazing experiences and people I met in these 23 days.” – McKenna Sutherland, Laurinburg, NC

“TWB is fun because of where you go and is life-changing because of who you meet.” – Amelia Pettigrew, Taylors, SC

“It is just an amazing opportunity to make friends and see a bunch of cool places.” – Alexis Paterson, Laurinburg, NC

“TWB was life-changing and I believe everyone should be able to experience it.” – Becca Karriker, Mocksville, NC

“I’m coming out of TWB with a much greater appreciation for our country and 81 new best friends.” – Jenna Collins, Boiling Springs, SC

“TWB will change you.” – Konnor Hill, Mooresville, NC

“Experience of a lifetime.” – Katie Bridges, Sanford, NC

“It has taught me patience beyond belief.” – Samuel Shiles, Gastonia, NC

“Somehow on this trip, less sleep meant more fun.” – Matthew McConnell, Mooresville, NC

“It is a great experience that I will always cherish. I couldn’t be more happy that I went.” – Conner Pridnia, Gastonia, NC

“TWB was the most amazing thing I’ve done. I’ve made some lifelong friends and I’ll never forget the experience.” – Hannah Ackerman, Beaufort, SC

“Best experience EVER and I’ve seen more than most people will ever see in their lifetime; The two-minute San Francisco showers were fun too.” – Olivia Ensalaco, Mooresville, NC

“Dropping your problems at home and traveling as yourself is truly incredible.” – Matthew Barker, Vale, NC

“The trip has made me realize what really matters in life.” – Savannah Harris, Mooresville, NC

“TWB has been an experience that helped me learn more about myself and the natural beauty of the nation we live in.” – Lara Prosser, Mooresville, NC

“TWB was an eye-opening experience and broke shells.” – Colby Dennis, Mooresville, NC

“Teens Westward Bound was full of surprises. You’ll learn to take chances and make so many amazing memories.” – Abigail Whisler, Charlotte, NC

“TWB showed me the beauty in this country as well as the beauty in the people all around me.” – Presley Gilliam, Cary, NC

“The butterflies prior were not needed, you will soon be family.” – Annisten Christensen, Mooresville, NC

“Completely changed my perspective on the world, the U.S., and life itself.” – Adam Weber, Mooresville, NC

“TWB has shown me to be thankful for southern food and grass.” – Braden Tautkus, Concord, NC

“TWB has been an amazing experience for me, and I will never forget this experience.” – Mark Windham, Indian Trail, NC

“The greatest way to meet new people and broaden horizons.” – Ethan Stoll, Whiteville, NC

“Who knew long shower lines and sleeping outside would make a family.” – Logan Webb, Statesville, NC

“TWB allowed me to open myself up to the beauty of America, but more that, the beauty of the other 81 participants.” – Amanda Powell, Reidsville, NC

“TWB is a great way to explore God’s creation with some of the best people.” – Julia Al-Hussaini, Mooresville, NC

“23 days full of adventure and fun.” – Peyton Hodges, Stanley, NC

“This trip is not only shows you the beautiful sights of America, but your true self.” – Meg Brennan, Burlington, KY

“TDub has taught me that the right people will love you for who you are!” – Chelsea Stegal, Denver, NC

“My TWB experience was life changing because now I have 80+ new family members.” – Addisyn Poole, Denver, NC

“This truly is a life changing experience you can’t get anywhere else.” – Shelby Bassinger, Mooresville, NC
“The most beautiful way to explore our country.” – Aly Noble, Mooresville, NC

“God is GREAT.” – Blaine Kimrey, Charlotte, NC

“This trip is amazing I didn’t realize how many new friends I was going to make and the food is underrated because it is so good!!!” – Kobey Godbold, Mooresville, NC

“I was very nervous at the start of the trip but I am so thankful to have met so many different people and getting to share so many new memories with them.” – Hollis Comer, Charlotte, NC

“Best experience of my life… Wish I could do it all again.” – Everett Tew, Gastonia, NC

“Life is what you make it. TWB helps show you what is truly important in life.” – McKenna Kirkpatrick, Monroe, NC

“TWB allows you to truly see the beauty of America.” – Mark Bauer, Waxhaw, NC

“I pooped on day 15.” – Kira Orellana, Mooresville, NC

“TWB showed me how small I am and how big God’s creation is.” – Sarah Johnson, Salisbury, NC

“I thought my experience studying abroad in Spain was amazing, but it cannot compete with being able to travel and immerse yourself in your own country with 82 of your best friends.” – Mary Mac Bradshaw, Greensboro, NC

“This trip was amazing and indescribable to anyone who hasn’t participated. 10/10 would recommend.” – Lauren Angus, Beaufort, SC



"Today is my moment and now is my story....I'll laugh, and I'll cry, and I'll sing!"

Thank you guys so much for this Summer. I couldn't have imagined a better first year as a counselor and blogger. I hope you will use this blog to reflect upon your trip! -Adam



Day 23- Return

Day 23- Return 

The Grumpy Gang is back for the last blog post of Trip One 2018. Day 23 is actually here…Wow! We cannot believe these incredible 3 weeks are coming to an end. This morning we woke up at 6:00 to the classic “wakey wakey” and songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” and “Single Ladies.” We left the campsite at 6:45 and headed over to our last Wal-Mart stop. The cooks served muffins and yogurts for breakfast. From this point on, no one was allowed to take any naps because we needed to enjoy each other’s company for the last few hours. The buses and vans were filled with music and energy from all participants. As we near Mallard Creek for our drop off, it became obvious that nerves and anxiety were taking over as the thought of leaving our new family set in. For our very last meal of TWB we had a gourmet traveling lunch of pizza bagels with chips and capri-suns. Although we are sad to finally go, we are excited to see our friends and family back home after being separated for so long. As we travel through the western half of the great state of North Carolina familiar sights of home start appearing, namely high gas prices and Bojangles. As a whole group we would like to thank all of those who provided for us to be here. Thank you to our bus drivers Jeff and Joseph, all our amazing counselors, and mostly the generosity of the Deaton Family.

            - Grumpies, We Love You All.