IMPORTANT
QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ASKED OFTEN
Q. WHAT IS THE TIME AND PLACE OF DEPARTURE?
A. This year (2023) 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 17th, 2023. The second program should plan to arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., Monday, June 19th, 2023.
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.
Q. WHEN AND WHERE WILL WE RETURN?
A. The June 17th returns at 5:00 p.m. at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House, Sunday, July 9th. The June 19th returns at 5:00 p.m. at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House, Tuesday, July 11th. Please allow for traffic.
Q. ARE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?
A. 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.
Q. DOES THE TEENS WESTWARD BOUND PROGRAM REQUIRE THAT EVERYONE BE VACCINATED WITH THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
A. 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.
Q. WHAT ABOUT SPENDING MONEY?
A. 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.
Q. WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING ON THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. Here is a link to a suggested clothing/materials list. 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.
Q. WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT BRING ON THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. 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!).
Q. SHOULD YOU MAKE ANY PREPARATIONS FOR THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. 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. 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.
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Q. HOW SHOULD THOSE WISHING TO WRITE YOU DURING THE TWB EXPERIENCE ADDRESS THEIR CORRESPONDENCE?
A. The mailing address for the June 17th 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 19th 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 20th for the first trip, June 21st 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.
Example-
Q. WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AT HOME DURING THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. 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.
Q. WHAT IF CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE THAT MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GO ON THE TOUR?
A. Please advise the 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.
Q. WHAT ABOUT SPORTSWEAR WITH "TEENS WESTWARD BOUND" ON IT?
A. 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.
Q. DOES THE CUSTOM MOTORCOACH HAVE A STEREO CD PLAYER AND DVD?
A. 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.
Q. WHAT ABOUT LAUNDRY?
A. 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.
THINGS PARENTS LIKE TO KNOW
STAFF
A. All staff/counselors are required to have and are judged on the following:
1. Minimum age of 21
2. Appropriate counseling and leadership experience
3. Ability to form interpersonal relationships with young people
4. Highest of moral standards
5. College graduates with a preference given to teachers and past participants
B. The director (Grant Deaton) has in addition to above:
1. A college Master's degree in Instructional Technology.
2. 22 years working experience with young people.
3. 21 years in travel camp directing.
C. The first program tour director tour director (Dallas Godbold) was a TWB participant in 2010 and has been a staff member for the past 9 years. Dallas graduated with her Bachelor's from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her experience as a teacher allows her to bring a positive approach to leading young people.
The second tour director (Vicky Wilkins) has been traveling with Teens Westward Bound since 1980 (41 years).
She is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has taught in the Lee County Schools for 46 years. Vicky is certified in First Aid and CPR. In addition to TWB travels, Vikki has spent many summers traveling around the world and has traveled to 38 states in the United States.
E. All staff is available on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the trip to meet the mental and physical needs of the participants at whatever the personal sacrifice.
F. The staff uses a non-directive, permissive approach in dealing with participants. The directors may limit the freedom of a participant in cases where such freedom infringes on the rights of others.
G. Teens Westward Bound has a zero tolerance for the use of tobacco products, alcohol or illegal drug products. Participants involved in such activity will be sent home immediately at the expense of their parents.
Participants should not bring cellphones or Wi-Fi devices with them on the TWB Experience. There will be "TWB Phones" to use after the 5th day of the trip.
EQUIPMENT
A. A specially designed 2021 Van Hool motorcoach is used for transportation.
1. Motorcoach is owned and operated by Cross Country Trailways out of Spartanburg, SC.
2. Motorcoach will be serviced according to the service manual at Bus Terminals
3. A DOT licensed driver will do the driving of the bus
4. The Motorcoach is loaded with accessories such as: am/fm stereo system, air conditioning, PA system, Two-way radio, DVD Player, bathroom and 110 volt plug at each seat for charging devices.
B. The 2022 Ford Vans are fully loaded and leased from Capital Ford in Raleigh, NC.
2. The counselors, tour directors and the program director will do the driving of the vans.
C. Camping equipment includes: 10 by 16 foot tents, propane cooking stoves, traveling propane tanks, cast iron cooking equipment, eating utensils, and propane lanterns.
MEDICAL
A. Physical examinations are recommended for all participants
B. A well-stocked first aid kit is maintained and staffed by a trained staff member
D. In case of illness, participants are put under the doctor's care.
PARTICIPANTS
A. The "buddy system" is applicable at all times especially during independent touring and swimming.
B. Teens Westward Bound has a zero tolerance for the use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drug products or illegal activities. Participants involved in such activities will be sent home immediately at the expense of their parents.
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C. Participants should not bring cellphones or Wi-Fi devices with them on the TWB Experience. There will be pay telephones and "TWB Phones" to use each day after the 5th day of the trip.
