Q. ARE WE GOING TO MEXICO?
A. No, due to drug and violence problems, the TWB Advisory board has decided to cancel the Tijuana portion of the trip. We will go to a California beach this day instead.
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. WHAT ABOUT SPENDING MONEY?
A. $350.00 is suggested along with a booster from home of $75.00 in the form of Traveler's Checks or Money Orders to our mail pick-up. No personal checks or money orders, PLEASE!!!!
Q. WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING ON THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. Enclosed is a suggested clothing list. Please try to stay within the given items. The duffel bag should be no larger than 30 inches long and 13 inches high and should NOT have rollers on it. If the luggage does not fit into the allotted space, participants will be asked to remove items not included on the list to be stored at Davidson College through the duration of the trip. PLEASE REMEMBER TO MARK ALL CLOTHING. Also bring a small pillow, ground cover, sleeping bag, and thermorest (no thick foam pads). Flashlights are great on those late night walks to the bathroom. Most important 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 but are welcome to bring calling cards. We will have access to many telephones after the 5th day of the trip. Knives, expensive jewelry and electronic games are discouraged (personal CD or MP3 player are okay!).
Q. SHOULD YOU MAKE ANY PREPARATIONS FOR THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. 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. Especially good books are "America and American" and "Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck, "A Walk Across America" by Peter Jenkins, "Dateline America" by Charles Kuralt, and "National Parks" by Freedman Tilden. It will also be helpful if you can give some forethought into the varying types of camping meals that you can prepare. You and thirteen others will plan a meal preparing for eighty-eight people.
Q. HOW SHOULD THOSE WISHING TO WRITE YOU DURING THE TWB EXPERIENCE ADDRESS THEIR CORRESPONDENCE?
A. Since TWB 2009 is conducting two trips this summer; we will have two separate mailing addresses. For the June 20th trip one should send letters to: Your name, c/o Teens Westward Bound, Lee Vining, California, 93541. Mail pick-up is July 3rd. For the June 22nd trip one should send letters to: Your name, c/o Teens Westward Bound, Wellsville, Utah, 84339. Mail pick-up is July 5th. At both 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 27th for the 1st trip and June 29th for the second trip (by regular mail) will probably not be received in time for pickup.
Q. WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AT HOME DURING THE TWB EXPERIENCE?
A. An emergency number will be given out at Davidson College 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. 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 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.
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 nylon-pouched jacket, cap, and sweatshirts. They are sold at cost and can be ordered on the enclosed blue form. The jackets 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 tapes will be the ones you and others bring. Limit 3 CD's and two DVD’s per person. Don't forget to bring your favorite movie! Please no “R” rated.
Q. WHAT ABOUT LAUNDRY?
A. We will make 3 laundry stops. Participants will be responsible for doing their own laundry or paying the Chinese laundry in San Francisco.
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 seniors or higher with a preference given to teachers and past participants
B. The program director (Dennis Deaton) has in addition to the above:
1. A college masters degree with courses taken in related areas
2. 33 years working experience with young people
3. 32 years in travel camp directing
C. The July 20th TWB Experience director (Grant Deaton) has been traveling with Teens Westward Bound since 1996. He is a graduate of Western Carolina and presently is a high school teacher with the Mooresville Graded School District. In addition to being a staff member, Grant has severed as Director of the TWB Western Experience for the past 6 years and Director of the Bahama Rama Experience for the past 7 years now.
D. The July 22nd TWB Experience Director (Vikki Wilkins) has been traveling with Teens Westward Bound since 1980 (28 years). She is a graduate of UNC and has taught in the Lee County Schools for 29 years. Vikki 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.
EQUIPMENT
A. A specially designed 2008 Van Hool motorcoach is used for transportation.
1. Motorcoach is owned and operated by Cross Country Tours of Spartanburg South Carolina.
2. Motorcoach will be serviced according to the service manual at Bus Terminals
3. An ICC licensed driver will do the driving of the bus
4. The motorcoach is loaded with accessories such as: am/fm stereo CD/cassette system, air conditioning, PA system, CB radio, VCR, and bathroom.
B. 1. The 2009 Ford Vans are fully loaded and leased from Triangle Van Rental in Charlotte, 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
C. 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.
