After the Trip! TWB Reflections

TWB Reflections!



The Trip 2 participants gave the following quotes about their TWB experience this summer:

“Make the most out of everyday, you will be surprised where the best moments come from.”  – Haley Jones

“This trip is the best thing that has ever happened to my confidence, my faith, and my heart.” –Maya Anderson-Badillo

“At the beginning I wasn’t sure what I got myself into, but I am now confident that this has been the best 23 days of my life.” – Chloe Strickland

“TWB has been an experience that will continue to shape and define me, long after the trip has come to a close.” –Alex Smith

“TWB has been an amazing experience to meet new friends and learn so much about America.” –Allie Jones

“Jesss jesss jess jesss jesss jesss jesss, Cawww!!!” –Levi Peterson

“A chance to discover America and yourself- there’s nothing better than that.”
-Alonnah Murphy

“TWB is the best experience of my life that made me fall in love with life and our beautiful county.” –Brenna Rodgers

“TWB has been one of the most memorable and greatest experiences of my life, and we were able to experience it with new life long friends.” –Kyleigh Goodman

“I wasn’t expecting that, but heck yeah!” –Rustyn Orbison

“TWB is the greatest experience a teen can endure.” –Paschal Lutz

“This trip brings out the best in you; it boosts your confidence, grows your faith, and allows you to open your eyes to see the beauty in this beautiful country.” –Lauren Brewington

“TWB has been such a great experience and I have learned so much about myself, my faith, and my country.” –Meredith Witherell

“TWB is a life-changing experience.” – Samantha Skidmore

“TWB is the most lit thing in my life and if you are looking for a good time this trip is for you.” –Clay Gotte

“Many thousands of miles later, I have learned more about myself and the greatest nation on earth thanks to TWB.” –Jonas Nielsen

“I have absolutely loved it, I have met the most amazing people and truly found where I belong.” –Emily Esarove

“This trip helped me find confidence in my insecurities while creating life-long memories.” –Sarah Umphlett

“TWB is an awesome experience that pushes you out of your comfort zone and brings 82 strangers into 1 family.” – Sarah Roth

“I was so scared about not knowing anyone but once I put myself out there it was the best experience of my life.” – Briana Waters

“This experience has been one of a lifetime that really matures and builds us young adults.” – Cheyenne Doss

“Going on TWB was the best choice I have ever made in my life.” –Caleb Chipman

“TWB has taught me so many valuable life lessons that I will never forget.” –Matthew Moore

“This experience is one like no other; the lessons you learn and friendships you make are even more amazing than the places you see.” –Ashley Rak

“It is awesome!” –Bradie Holmes

“Live everyday like it is your last on the trip because eventually that day will come and you don’t want any regrets.” –Ian Faulkner

“Take chances, make friends, live everyday on the trip like it’s your last.” –McRae Moore

“The only words I can say about this trip is it makes you look at life from a different point of view.” – Hannah Denson

“Unforgettable experience, dreading leaving my 82 new family members.” –Ben Harris

“I never knew how badly I needed TWB.” –Elizabeth Kurtz

“This is an opportunity I’m glad I took a chance on and will never forget.” –Anne Cloaninger

“For me, TWB was an escape that turned into something much bigger: A love for my country, a deeper relationship with God, and friends for a lifetime.” –Hannah Locklear

“Nothing you will ever do can compare to TWB; take advantage of every second, it’s over before you know it.” –Elizabeth Foy

“In 23 days I discovered the difference between good water and bad water.” –Robert Keck

“The first week was rough, but after that I loved the trip.” –Rennie Pearson

“I’m so glad I opened up early in the trip because it flies by.”- Stephen Deutsch

“TWB gave me a second family and helped me become a better person.” –Sydney Hoffman

“From all the laughs to all the tears TWB friends will be friends for years.” –Amelia Christensen

“I was super nervous at first, but I’ve never been more comfortable around 82 strangers.” – Caitlyn Andrews

“Absolutely no way to describe how truly amazing the TWB experience is.” –Caroline Shoemaker

“It’s a trip to remember; make it last.” –Hunter Avery

“It’s an amazing experience you can’t get anywhere else.” – Sara Mauney

“ I’ve never had so much fun with complete strangers, now my best friends.” –Landon Bisson

“TWB is a great escape from all past troubles and a way to discover yourself and your country.” –Julia Knapp

“Giving your 100% on this trip pays off in unimaginable ways.” –Cate Johnson

“Experiencing TWB has opened my mind in ways unthinkable to others and brought my feelings of pure happiness at just the right time.” – Ashley Matheis

“Truly the best experience of a lifetime.” –Makayla Stadler

“It is one of the greatest experiences of my life and I will never forget it.” – Grant Harris

“It is more than a 23 day trip… it is a new reality that takes you away from the distractions at home to explore the other side of America.” –Lauren Schultz

“Best experience of my life. Enjoy it while it lasts because it’s over before you know it.” –Meredith Levy

“It’s been real… It’s been fun… but it ain’t been real fun…. JUST KIDDING!!!” –Noah Rodriguez

“One of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever had, and even though this trip has had it’s ups and downs for me, I would do it again in a heartbeat… 10/10 would recommend.” –Anna-Grace Agnini

“Couldn’t have spent 23 days of my summer any better, this was truly and incredible experience.” –Maxwell Bradley

“It is impossible to prepare for the dynamic experience that TWB offers; just know that it will change you in ways you least expect.” –Jack Seigel

“This was the best experience of my life, it really opened my eyes to a lot.” –Jayda Canada

“Absolutely breath taking experience.” –Creighton Ivey

“This trip was the best thing I’ve ever done, without question.” –Jodi Hatcher

“The best time of my life spent with my amazing friends.” –Nick Mitchell

“Every shower is a community shower if you want it to be.” –William Balkum

“This has been the best experience of my life and I’ve made lifelong family.” –Jake Kepley

“There is definitely more friends than food on TWB.” – Colton McElveen

“23 days plus 82 people equals an experience words can’t describe.” –Abby Black

“This trip was a once in a lifetime experience that introduced me to 82 kids who would, over the course of 23 days, become my family.” –Eryn Faggart

“This trip is a once in a lifetime experience where I met 82 amazing people and embraced the love for my country.” – Kathryn McRae

“This trip is something you can’t describe in words; it is the most magical experience you can ever have.” – Kevin Kang

“The best thing my parents have given/done for me.” – Madelyn Daggerhart

“This has been one of the best experiences of my life and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.” – Julia DiBella

“Not having my phone on TWB has helped me form deeper, closer, and longer-lasting relationships with all 82 people on this trip of a lifetime.” – Courtney Prevette

“Put yourself out there and live each day to the fullest.” – Annalise Froehlich

“Everyone is so special in there own way and I am so happy to have made life long friends.” – Madison Ketchie

“TWB helps change your perspective and find out new things about yourself.” – Ashlyn Sharpe

“I’ve fallen in love with everyone on this trip and it hurts me that only a few of them live near me.” – Lucas Horton

“23 days that truly feel like a lifetime with people you love.” – Collin Walsh

“TWB was an awesome experience that I didn’t realize I needed.” – Julia Jakubowski

“Who knew you could squish 23 million memories in 23 days??” – MaryMichael Belue

“The greatest experience ever and will never be forgotten.” –Spencer Norman

“It changed my life for the better and gave me the people I truly needed.” –Makayla Lawson

“TWB is exactly what I needed; it has changed my life and I love my new life-long friends.” –Sarah Esarove

“This trip has made me realize the person I want to be and the type of people I want to be friends with.” – Bryson Dellinger

“ I never knew I’d meet my best friends on this trip and I never expected it’d be so hard to leave.” – Chloe O’Briant

“On TWB you not only get to see and experience the beautiful west but you get to watch yourself and friends grow, it’s really something special.” -McCauley Palmer














 Thanks for a great summer, TWB!! WE LOVE YOU! Cawwwww :) 

"Today is my moment and now is my story....I'll laugh, and I'll cry, and I'll sing!"



Day 23- Return

Day 23- Return 

The day that everyone has been dreading is finally here. Today is the day when we load the bus and head back to North Carolina. We woke up today around 6:15… one of the days we got to “sleep in”. We were woken up today by the familiar sounds of horse racing, sing along songs, and strange noises, courtesy of counselor Michael Wallace. After a quick Walmart stop in Knoxville, Tennessee, we enjoyed a breakfast of muffins and Capri-suns. The bus ride today was filled with people dancing in the aisles screaming their favorite songs at the top of their lungs.  Throughout the bus ride we captured pictures with each other and wrote each other notes about the time spent together and the memories we share. After stopping at a rest stop in western NC, we had a choice of either canned ravioli or canned spaghetti and meatballs for lunch. For the people who did not want either of those options, we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We are excited to spend these last few hours together, yet sad that we are passing by many familiar locations in NC; we are getting close to the end. Despite the amount of time we have left, the bonds in this family will last a lifetime, and we will never truly be apart. We love Teens Westward Bound and everything that this trip has given us. Thank you to everybody who has made it possible for us to travel this summer, especially the Deaton family.

xoxo,

The Grumpy Group

































































Update: Thank you so much for keeping up with the blog. I had a blast this summer as my first time being a counselor and I could not have asked for a better group! Thank you for sharing your kiddos with me this summer. To my participants, I love you!! Keep in touch, this blog will always be here for you to remember your TWB memories.
- Counselor Heather <3