WHAT IS THE TIME AND PLACE OF DEPARTURE?

This year (2024) we plan to have 2 trips travel the great west. The first program should plan to arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., Saturday, June 15th, 2024. The second program should plan to arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., Monday, June 17th, 2024.

The send off location is Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House. The address is 11400 Mallard Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28262 (15 miles north of Charlotte, N.C. on I-85, Mallard Creek Exit.)

Some years the Community House is closed so make sure you go to the restrooms before arrive. You will see a large white building and the bus, vans and trailers parked near it, which is right off of Mallard Creek Rd. Please park in the grassy area to the right of the white building for both send off and return. Checking everyone in may take up to an hour so make sure that you bring a chair or something to sit on. Telephone the TWB line at (704) 662-8666 if you have difficulty or are delayed. Please allot extra time for traffic.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL WE RETURN?

The June 15th returns at 5:00 p.m. at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House, Sunday, July 7th. The June 17th returns at 5:00 p.m. at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House, Tuesday, July 9th. Please allow for traffic.

ARE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?

No, but strongly suggested. The tour is physically demanding. It covers areas of extreme temperature changes. Should you become ill, all possible efforts will be made to give you the best of medical attention. In the event that you're unable to continue traveling, arrangements will be made to fly you home. Please advise us on any history of medical problems that might reoccur during the trip. Participants are allowed to bring prescription drugs that they can administer themselves.

DOES THE TEENS WESTWARD BOUND PROGRAM REQUIRE THAT EVERYONE BE VACCINATED WITH THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

We do NOT require the COVID vaccine or vaccine cards right now. If states that we travel through decide to require either of these again, we will have to follow protocol.

WHAT ABOUT SPENDING MONEY?

Due to high inflation $500-$800 is suggested along with a boosters from home deposited in the participants debit card account during the trip. Debit cards are great means to carry your funds. If possible, have a duplicated debit card made and store it in the bottom of the participant's duffle bag.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON THE TWB EXPERIENCE?

Here is a link to the official TWB Packing List.

Please try to stay within the given items. The waterproof or resistant duffel bag should be no larger than 32 inches long and 14 inches high and should NOT have rollers on it. (Between 70 and 90L in size.) PLEASE REMEMBER TO MARK ALL CLOTHING WITH YOUR INITIALS. Also, bring a small pillow, tarp for ground cover, sleeping bag (20 degree rating is fine) and sleeping pad (no thick foam pads or air mattresses). Flashlights are great way to scare bears on those late night walks to the bathroom. You will need around 20oz water bottle for use during all meals on the trip. Please put your name on it and decorate or label it so it is easy to identify. Most importantly, bring with you a sense of humor, an eagerness for involvement with people and a desire to know your America.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT BRING ON THE TWB EXPERIENCE?

Participants should not bring cell phones or Wi-Fi devices but are welcome to bring calling cards or call using collect. We will have access to "TWB Phones" after the 5th day of the trip. Pocket knives, expensive jewelry and electronic games are discouraged (MP3s players are okay, they cannot have Wi-Fi capabilities though!).

SHOULD I MAKE ANY PREPARATIONS FOR THE TWB EXPERIENCE?

Everyone is asked to research one place we visit on the TWB experience. The research assignment is on the letter included in their final packet email. You should prepare a small presentation on this topic to share with the group while visiting the place. It will also be helpful if you can give some forethought into the varying types of camping meals that you can prepare. You and 11 to 13 other participants will plan and prepare meals for eighty-eight people. The amount of foreknowledge you have as to places we shall visit will have a direct bearing on how meaningful the trip will be for you. We recommend researching popular places in our different destinations. You will then be prepared to make the most of your free time in the different cities we visit.

HOW SHOULD THOSE WISHING TO WRITE ME DURING THE TWB EXPERIENCE ADDRESS THEIR CORRESPONDENCE?

The mailing address for the June 15th program is Your name, c/o Teens Westward Bound, Fallon Post Office, 120 N MAINE ST, FALLON, NV 89406-2930 and the address for the June 17th program is Your name, c/o Teens Westward Bound, Magna Post Office, 8470 W Magna Main St, Magna, UT 84044 At all mail sites they should endorse "Hold for Arrival". If someone is thinking of sending you a care package, please inform him or her that it should be no larger than a shoebox. Mail that is sent after June 18th for the first trip, June 19th for the second trip (by regular mail) will probably not be received in time for pickup. Please only send mail via the USPS, not through UPS or FEDEX. The post office does not accept these carriers. We recommend getting the flat rate box from the post office.


WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AT HOME DURING THE TWB EXPERIENCE?

An emergency number will be given out at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House the day we leave. For emergencies call that number and TWB will check this line early AM and late afternoon. For non-emergencies, call the TWB line at (704) 662-8666 or email twb@teenswestwardbound.com. . If no one answers, a message should be left on the answering machine.

WHAT IF CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE THAT MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GO ON THE TOUR?

Please advise the TWB Director immediately. If your place can be filled from the waiting list, a full refund less the deposit will be issued. If not, there can be no refund. We also recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend reaching out to your local insurance agent, AAA, credit card companies or internet research. Since they change yearly, we do not a specific recommendation. Some have policies that cover most expenses.

WHAT ABOUT SPORTSWEAR WITH "TEENS WESTWARD BOUND" ON IT?

You will be given (as part of the trip cost) a TWB T-shirt. If you wish you can purchase our light weight fleece, (New) spirit jersey, cap, and sweatshirts. They are sold at cost and can be ordered on the enclosed blue form. The fleece generally run true to size and the all cotton sweatshirts readily shrink. All TWB Sportswear is gray, white, and red.

DOES THE CUSTOM MOTOR COACH HAVE A STEREO CD PLAYER AND DVD?

Yes, but our only music will be the music you and others bring. Please prepare "Clean" playlist on your MP3 player. Limit one DVD per person. Don't forget to bring your favorite movie! Please no "PG-13 or R" rated.

WHAT ABOUT LAUNDRY?

We will make 3 laundry stops on TWB. Participants will be responsible for doing their own laundry at the Grand Canyon and in Cody, WY. Participants will have the option to pay for their laundry to be done for them in San Francisco. Please bring 2 rolls of quarters for laundry machines and showers.