Teens Westward Bound Travel Blog

Welcome to the TWB Travel Blog! This will be your inside connection to what is happening out west on TWB!!! This page will be used to post updates to the rest of the world during the 2023 TWB Experience. Please come back often to find out the latest!

June 20th, 2009 Experience

(Click the link below to go to each day of the trip)

Before the Trip 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 After the trip

Tuesday July 14th, 2009

TWB Trek 1's first reunion...the Mooresville crowd met at Joel's for lunch and then headed to the movies together.

Tuesday July 14th, 2009

“TWB made me see life in a way that others can’t imagine unless they go on this trip. TWB made me appreciate everything. I love all the friends I met and will always cherish the memories. “
–Emma Kepley, Rockwell, NC

“Teens Westward Bound is a gift; a gift that should be extremely cherished. I’m so thankful for Dennis Deaton who made this possible and all the others who paved the way as well. I’ll never forget the memories I have made or the sights I have seen; but most of all, I will never forget the people I have met and the bonds I have made. TWB friendships will last a lifetime. I mean, what do you expect when you spend 23 days on a bus with 81 other teenagers? Only good things can come out of that, right?
–Jordan Rortvedt, Stoneville, NC”

“TWB is a life-altering experience that, more than anything, has taught me to live for the moment.”
-James Collier, Gastonia, NC

“T-dub is completely indescribable. It is just one of those things you have to experience for yourself. It has definitely changed my life in so many ways. I appreciate life and every day so much more now. And I’m coming out of this with life long friends. Every aspect of TWB is excellent.
–Brittany Bridges, Sanford, NC

“There are so many words to describe TWB, but no one will ever understand until they have experienced it themselves. It is amazing, breathtaking, frustrating, and life changing. I will never forget the people I’ve met and the friends I have made. TWB will go with me where ever life may take me.”
–Kelsey Powell, Laurinburg, NC

“T-dub is an experience that cannot be expressed in words. On this trip you discover many great friends as well as discover yourself. I would do this every year if I could.”
–Trey Sellers, Laurinburg, NC

“All my life, my friends have gone and come back and tried to explain the TWB experience, therefore I wont try… It is truly a life-changing journey that you are sure to love.”
–Thomas Hair, Stoneville, NC

“Teens Westward Bound is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. You make memories and best friends that will last a lifetime.”
–Kelly McPherson, Whiteville, NC

“TWB has opened me up to people so quickly and so deeply in a way that I never thought was possible. It has created friendships I know will last forever.”
–Jack Meakin, Gastonia, NC

“Close your eyes and imagine the best time you have ever had; then realize that is your life for 23 days. TWB is everything you could think of times a billion. It’s a time where walls come down, stereotypes disappear, and people finally become their true selves. We love others for who they are.”
–Chelsea Mundy, Sanford, NC

“TWB opened my eyes in many ways; ways you can’t explain. You have to find out on your own by going on TWB with an open mind and heart ready to make friends and live every day to the fullest.”
-Lexie Roberts, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is hard to describe because there are so many things going on everyday. That’s what makes it so fun and memorable.”
–Hannah Harwell, Gastonia, NC

“You come on TWB as a bunch of individuals, but you leave as one family. You won’t remember all the places, but you won’t forget the friendships you make.”
–Taylor Johnston, Salisbury, NC

“TWB is the most life changing and amazing trip you could ever go on. You go on TWB with 81 strangers and leave with 81 new best friends. The bonds that you create with the people you are with for 23 days will last forever. I love TWB!”
-Lillie Royal, Whiteville, NC

“People said that we would make lifelong friends on this trip and they were right.”
–Heather Douglas, York, SC

“TWB makes you realize things about yourself and other people that you didn’t know before.”
–Emory Ward, Whiteville, NC

“TWB is such a life changing experience. You learn so much about yourself as an individual and as a part of a giant family.”
–Maddie Shelton, Boone, NC

“This is one of the best adventures I think I’ll ever have in my life.”
–Lindsay Kos, Mooresville, NC

“I have been on many trips in my life and this is by far my favorite one.”
–Hunter Arey, Salisbury, NC

“TWB- Wow! What an experience! It’s probably the best thing I’ll ever do. Who knew that you could make 81 friends in 23 days! It’s definitely worth every second. Living life to the fullest is the way to go!”
–Katti Caraballo, Whiteville, NC

“TWB was an amazing, life-changing experience. I know that I have added 81 new friends in my life that will always be there for me no matter what the circumstances.”
–Brooke Conrad, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is the trip of a lifetime! I am so glad I got the chance to go and would love to go again! I have made so many friends who I will never forget! If anyone is given the chance to go-- THEY REALLY SHOULD!”
–Jessica Readling, Mooresville, NC

“TWB is truly an amazing experience. It’s really hard to explain correctly though because it needs to be experienced in order to fully be understood. It really is the experience of a lifetime.”
–Katherine Sipple, Cary, NC

“It’s all worth it! It’s the best time anyone will ever have! I know it was mine!”
-Collier Savage, Whiteville, NC

“TWB is impossible to describe.”
–Bryson Stoner, Salisbury, NC

“TWB is easily the best experience of my life. I never would have thought that 23 days could turn complete strangers into a big family. I’ve been through times and situations with these people that I haven’t been through with anyone else. No words could ever describe this trip or the love I’ve found for all these unique, amazing people.”
–Alexandra Clements, Wilmington, NC

“TWB was an amazing experience! It was the best 23 days of my life and it gave me the chance to meet so many new people. If I had the chance to go on it a second time, I would definitely go!”
–Christi Stone, Broadway, NC

“TWB has definitely opened me up A LOT! Not only am I going to be a better friend to my friends at home, but to everyone else as well. I have also learned to embrace every aspect of life to the very fullest. I LOVE TWB!!!”
–Emily Gates, Kings Mountain, NC

“TWB has been the greatest experience in my life. It has helped me find myself and has made me a lot more responsible. I respect people a lot more now. No matter how much you try to explain TWB no one will truly understand the friendships people make on this trip and all the amazing things you see. KITCH IS AWESOME!!”
-Brittany Southern, Mayodan, NC

“TWB has opened my eyes to a more global aspects of our secular country! It has allowed me to learn so much about myself while seeing the beautiful scenery of the USA. TWB is an experience of a lifetime. I am so fortunate to be a participant.”
–John Morgan Cockerham, Mount Airy, NC

“TWB is the best experience that anyone could ever imagine. You not only make TONS of friends, but you also learn so much about yourself. This trip opens you up so much, and it is something you will never forget.”
–Paige Stanley, Whiteville, NC

“TWB is the best experience ever. I had no idea it was going to be this exciting.”
–Michael Doss, Mayodan, NC

“GREAT!!!”
–Jack Edmiston, Mooresville, NC

“The entire experience is unbelievable from the start. Anyone who has an open mind and heart will never forget this experience.”
–Ian Edmiston, Mooresville, NC

“If you have the chance to go on TWB, take it. Who cares if you won’t have a cell phone? You won’t want a cell phone. You’ll be meeting so many incredible people travelling across America. You’ll have all the 81 best friends you could ask for.”
–Valerie Saint Sing, Mooresville, NC

“TWB is truly a life-changing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
–Katie Ward, Whiteville, NC

“I felt honored to be selected to see the beautiful scenery of America with such a good group of people. A once in a lifetime opportunity.”
–Austin Bailey, Statesville, NC

“TWB is a trip of a lifetime. However much fun you think it might be, multiply it by 20 and I promise, you will have more fun in 23 days, than you have in your whole life!”
–Zach Eulo, Wilmington, NC

“TWB is truly an experience of a life time. It is indescribable and one could not understand the experience until they go themselves! TWB is amazing and I love it! The bonds I have made will last forever!”
–Amanda Chevalier, Laurinburg, NC

“Without a doubt, TWB has been a very influential part of my life. I can’t imagine having a better summer than this one! I will never forget TWB, because it is the best trip ever!”
–Mary Alice McMillan, Stokesdale, NC

“TWB has been such a great experience; a once in a lifetime opportunity. All the places you go are fantastic, however, the time spent on the vehicles or at campsites with all your new friends is what matters most and it the greatest fun of all.”
–Grant Gowing, Mooresville, NC

“It is unbelievable how well the TWB experience can bring together strangers in such a short period of time and make them seem like family. The places in our great country that we visited were amazing, but these bonds and connections were what made TWB so special.”
–Jake Emerson, Gastonia, NC

“TWB has really opened my eyes to how wonderful the US is. I was able to meet so many nice people from all over NC and some from SC. TWB had to have been the best 23 days of my life by far. 23 days may be a lot, but I wish it lasted longer and that we went more places around the US. At first I was pretty nervous about going, but after I met more people I got more comfortable with the trip. If I could choos to do it all over again, I would!”
- Wesley Flowers, Gastonia, NC

“This is an amazing trip filled with great experiences, beautiful places, and best friends.”
-Ward Bridger, Wilmington, NC

“TWB was a great experience. The people you meet are amazing and become some of your best friends.”
-Trey Nealey, Whiteville, NC

“TWB is a once in a lifetime thing, so when you experience the trip, don’t take any day for granted with friends that will last forever.”
–Ashley Kate Kesler, Gold Hill, NC

“TWB is something I have never experienced before. Not only have I learned how to “rough it” and sleep on command, I have learned so much more about our country and about myself. I have met so many amazing people that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. Dennis, Grant, and all the counselors have made TWB such a great experience for me and I can’t wait to go home and introduce TWB to my hometown. I will never forget this once in a lifetime experience. Thank you.”
–Patterson Joyner, Clover, SC

”You can’t explain TWB on a brochure, a slideshow, or through pictures. The absolute only way to understand what an experience this is, is to find out for yourself. When people say that this is a trip of a lifetime, they are exactly right. TWB is amazing!”
- Katie Shytle, Laurinburg, NC

”TWB is an experience that brings you closer to 81 people than you could possibly imagine. It helps teach you life skills and will be something that can never be forgotten”.
- Will Purcell, Laurinburg, NC

”Totally worth it! Don’t let the 23 days intimidate you—it is amazing! TWB flies by.”
-Patrick Weldon

“TWB is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that will never be understandable until you experience it yourself. It teaches you how to be yourself ad appreciate all of your blessings! Pictures do not do justice for God’s creation that is in your own backyard! I love TWB!”
-Ashley Collins, Salisbury, NC

“It was a once in a lifetime experience!”
–Kallie Fields, Laurinburg, NC

“No one will ever know how amazing TWB is until you experience it yourself.”
–Eleanor Sojka, Laurinburg, NC

“Who would think that in 23 days you would form life long friends? Surely this trip has lowered the walls for everyone involved. We all became closer once we toned down the city groups and became a family.”
–Demonte Alford, Laurinburg, NC

“TWB can’t be explained with words or with pictures. You have to live it. It is magical… a wonderful adventure. You would be a fool to miss out on it!”
–Nikki Stoudt, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is the only place where you can let all your walls down and not feel vulnerable. You can go without makeup and still feel beautiful and you can break into random song and dance and have the most fun of your life.”
–Lauren Long, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is an experience of a lifetime. The people you meet will be lifelong friends!”
–Sarah Henderson, Raleigh, NC

“TWB is an amazing experience that I will never forget. It is impossible to explain the trip and all the friends you make.”
–Mallory Kipka, Mooresville, NC

“TWB is an experience of a lifetime that cannot be explained with words but the bonds and friends you made can definitely show for it!”
–Elizabeth Vaughn, Gastonia, NC

“If you open yourself up, this trip will change your life.”
–Leah Fayssoux, Belmont, NC

“I heard this trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I found out this trip was much more than that.”
–Allison Mendenhall, Wilmington, NC

“TWB will be the most life changing event that you will ever experience. Ever!”
–Ashtyn Kepley, Salisbury, NC

“Can I go to college and major in TWB? Because if I could make this a career, I would!”
-Kelsey Spangler, Mooresville, NC

“Quite fantastically fabulous.”
–Thomas Terrio, Gastonia, NC

“I wouldn’t trade any of the experiences I’ve had on TWB for anything. This trip has changed the way I think and feel about most people. However, most importantly, it has changed the way I live my life from day to day.”
–Wes Bledsoe, Mt. Airy, NC

“TWB has taught me so much. I have learned so much about myself, as well as the people and the places surrounding me. I would not trade this experience or my memories made on this trip for anything in the world.”
–Kaitlin Brown, Mooresville, NC

“When I arrived on the first day I knew a few people but by the end of the trip I had 81 new best friends. This trip has taught me how to break out of my shell.”
–Jonathan Elliott, Mooresville, NC

“TWB has taught me to be more open and confident in myself. Never before would I shower with other girls naked, go without makeup for a day, or randomly go up and hug someone I’ve only known for a couple of days. With a chapter in my life coming to an end, this trip makes a great closer. I will be prepared to go out into the world with openness and appreciation for new things.”
–Emily Warden, Mooresville, NC

“TWB taught me how to be my own person and not always try to fit in with the crowd.”
–Andrew Harris, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is the ultimate way to get the most out of your summer. Being tired for 23 days is totally worth it. I love Dennis!”
–Alex Canoutas, Wilmington, NC

“TWB has shown me my strengths and my weaknesses; it has shown me how to love unconditionally; but most of all it has shown me how to truly live.”
–Farris Morris, McAdenville, NC

“TWB is a one-of-a-kind dynamic that can never be recaptured and will forever be priceless in my heart.”
–Emily Fayssoux, Belmont, NC

“This voyage across the US is a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual journey that will challenge you in ways you never imagine. I’ve never had more fun being pushed to my limits!”
–Nick Peavy, Mt. Airy, NC

“I absolutely loved it. You take in every breathtaking view, every hug, and all the friends you meet…then all you have to say is wow!!”
–Alex Fricke, Laurinburg, NC

“It is true when people say that it is impossible to describe the TWB experience. You just have to have the right mentality, come on the trip, and be placed in those indescribable moments to understand it fully.”
–Holly Brown, Wilmington, NC

“There aren’t any words to describe the things we experienced on TWB. It’s amazing and will definitely be something I will never forget. I recommend TWB to all teens. It will be a trip you will not regret.”
–Holley Norris, Whiteville, NC

“TWB can’t be explained until you experience yourself!”
–Ally Francis, Raleigh, NC

“Cherish the friends and memories you make, for you will never go on a trip such as this one.”
–Nic Norment, Mooresville, NC

“We all come on this trip with high expectations, high walls, and nervous stomachs. But at the end, none of it is the same. TWB is full of comfort, support, love, and many friendships. No words or pictures could ever begin to explain the experience I’ve had.”
–Elizabeth McCrea, Mooresville, NC

“TWB is a unique experience that teaches participants a lot about themselves, their country, their peers, and their creator.”
–Bradley Allf, Gastonia, NC

“TWB is a life changing experience and a wonderful opportunity to take.”
–Mally Fisher, Salisbury, NC

TWB Itinerary For Today

After the Trip
We had another great year out west. Time to start getting ready for next year...