In 2013, the Teens Westward Bound Advisory Board selected Grant Deaton, as Program Director to continue the dream that his father, Dennis, began 1975. Full of enthusiasm, wit and energy, he has the experience and sensitivity to bring to the Teens Westward Bound excursion first-hand knowledge of the many mental and physical needs of young people. Grant is a Marketing Teacher in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and has been involved with the Teens Westward Bound program all of his life in some way or another. He has been traveling with the Teens Westward Bound summer program since 1996, his first year as a participant. He took the leadership role in 2001 when he was selected as a counselor. Since 2001 Grant has been the Trip Director for thirteen Teens Westward Bound excursions across America. In 2015, Grant assumed the responsibility of the Program Director when Dennis retired from traveling with the programs. Since 2003 he has also coordinated and directed the after Christmas Bahama Rama Experience. Grant is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in Computer Information Systems and completed his teaching certification at North Carolina State University. He received his Masters Degree of Education in Instructional Technology at Appalachian State University. He and his wife, Kitch, have four sons. Grant brings much energy, enthusiasm and leadership to the TWB experience.

Directors and Counselors are college graduates (usually past participants or teachers) who have been selected by the following guidelines:

• Ability to counsel and form interpersonal relationships with young people.

• Experience associated with young people and leadership.

• Moral standards and beliefs.

• The ratio of staff to participants is 1 to 12.