TWB June 14th 2025 Experience

Day 7- Las Vegas

Day 7: VEGAS!

The Sleepys have awoken from their slumber to tell our friends and family about our fun filled day in Vegas! We got to hit the snooze button this morning and enjoyed a fresh made breakfast by the Bashfuls, who were pleasantly surprised by waking up to a morning raven glittering on their clothes… ok maybe it wasn’t that pleasant.

Ted serving as our morning grill master

Our Grumpy's cooking their final breakfast for the group

This morning the Sleepys embarked on a bumpy journey together as they worked on their extravagant beach chant for the following day, (stay tuned for day 8!) Some of us jammed out to Ian’s funky music while others caught some Sleepy's. As we peered out the window and viewed the mountainous terrain we felt the aura of the Hoover dam which is parallel to the aura that Jake exudes. Soon after we feasted on some delectable PB&Js with some penguin crackers (IYKYK) and time flew by as we arrived at the city of neon lights.

Classic Dallas selfie moment

Some of the group's first In-And-Out run of the trip

The groups we ventured out with!! (below)

The boys caught lacking

They may have been late, but at least it was fashionably late

Matthew wearing his pjs out on town

POV: You became one with Julius Caesar

Scotty taking in the stars

Evan deciding if his life savings is worth it

We arrived at LAS VEGAS!!!! Driving in felt like entering a different world. The second we stepped off the bus Tobi was embracing his inner Mr. Crab with his fiery red sunburn. The wind seemed like it carried us to another universe. The streets of Ceasar’s Palace felt like strolling down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. We were Dorthy in a place that we didn't know, and we didn’t click our shoes cause we don’t wanna go home (yet!).

Caleb had a longggg night

Mr. Ramsay had these burgers specially made just for us

Literally twins... right?

Ethan and his DAWGS

For dinner some of us went to check if Hell’s Kitchen would live up to our standards but we’d give it 3 stars because it was missing Gordon Ramsey. At Gordon Ramsay’s Burger, people got pink burgers that matched our skin perfectly, 4 stars. At the celebrity food court the food was good but it hurt our wallets (well your wallets) as much as our sunburns, 3 stars. In-N-Out really did go IN then OUT, 2 stars. Took a quick glitter before the worst sleep we’ve had on this trip because, trust us, we the Sleepys would know

Sadie wanted to do dancing rather than bowling!

LeeAnn shocked she even kept it in the lane.... JK, she made a spare!

Landen contemplating how he's going to take another gutter ball

Aiden felt our sleepy presence

Seeing how many laps we can stack

These divas wanted matching bracelets

As we walked into the Golden Coast Casino, which transported us to an old 1950 casino, it gave us an escape from the 105 degree heat. We slowly made our way to the vintage bowling lanes and many people showed up including Batman, Ricardo, Anakin Skywalker and even Guy Fieri (sadly we forgot to get pictures to prove it). As we waited till midnight for our fairy godmother to whisk us away (Sean), while he could get some time to rest, we kept ourselves busy by taking fun pictures and spending time with our new celebrity friends.

Caroline preparing for her 5 to 9... or more like 12 to 3

As the whole group took off after Vegas at midnight, the girls got onto the bus to change and the boys got onto the vans to change. (It was dark so no one could see). We hit the road at about 12:30 and had a 3 hour drive to an amazing Flying J’s where the counselors switched shifts to drive. The co-pilots also switched and props to them because it was not an easy night to keep the counselors awake. We arrived in CALIFORNIA at around 6 am!!!

To all the parents of the children upon this trip just know… your children are okay…! not only were we lucky enough to feast upon Gordon Ramsey burgers, but also share them with lifelong friends as well, while allowing the opportunities to explore things many adults dream of seeing. Your kids are having a good time, but also learning to carry out their responsibilities and learning to rely upon each other each and every day… anyway Sleepys outtt with love Jake, Bekah, Reanna, Bridget, Abby, Tobi, Jack, Maddy, Bella, Caleb, Margot, Annie, Morgan, & Hannah Cali

Participants words from the Grand Canyon!

Grand Canyon Quotes

“I glittered!!! IN THE GRAND CANYON!!!!!!” – William “Fisher” Kennedy – Beaufort, SC

“The second most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” – Asher Gant – Belmont, NC

“Who mined this?” – Harris Wright – Gastonia, NC

“Didn’t look real.” – Landen Ryerson – Salisbury, NC

“That just made me glitter.” – Delaney Wood – Carthage, NC

“The Grand Glitter.” – Devin Kowalewski – Jefferson, SC

“Words cannot describe the beauty of the Grand Canyon, life changing experience that I will never forget.” – Phoebe-Kate Prince – Gastonia, NC

“It was extremely eye opening.” – Hannah Britton – Sanford, NC

“The view at sunset was absolutely breathtaking, I also glittered at the bottom.” – Ella Spivey – Denver, NC

“It’s absolutely amazing how beautiful God’s creation is, and that there’s more than just North Carolina.” – Emma Doss – Stanley, NC

“There is truly nothing like it. Absolutely breathtaking!” – Lily Griggs – Mooresville, NC

“I have never cried more happy tears in my life.” – CJ Cody – Gaffney, SC

“The most beautiful place on Earth!” – Caroline Stacey – Cramerton, NC

“Most amazing thing ever!” – Camille Manley – Beaufort, SC

“Yo, what Minecraft biome is this?” – Hollister Warren – Charlotte, NC

“It was jaw dropping to see God’s beautiful creation” – Olivia Owen – Reidsville, NC

“It was life changing” – Hannah Russo – Cramerton, NC

“Seeing what God has blessed us with was absolutely breathtaking.” – Reece Williams- Mount Holly, NC

“It was so big and reminded me of how great my love for my family is.” – Grace Mas – Oviedo, FL

“Whatever you have in your head it is 1000x bigger.” – Lily Timmerman – Aiken, SC

“I can’t believe I live in the same world as something so beautiful.” – Elizabeth Kolb- Lexington, SC

“Second most beautiful thing behind my girlfriend.” – Aiden Moss – Salisbury, NC

“Made me tear up, so I can appreciate that God has a plan for me and this is a part of it.” – Addison Jones – Mooresville, NC

9. “Felt a true moment of peace.” – Andrew Hardee – High Point, NC

10. “Absolutely breathtaking. So thankful for God’s beautiful creation.” – Bryant Salley – Beaufort, SC

“So beautiful, it looked unreal.”- Rylei Minton – Salisbury, NC

“It looks like it came out of a movie. It was very emotional with how beautiful it was.” – Bayla Morrow – Union, SC

“Very grandeur.” – Scott Chesson – Jamestown, NC

“It is beautiful and very big.” – Davis Robbins – Charlotte, NC

“How can God create something so beautiful?” – Rebekah Brand – Gastonia, NC

“The canyon was so GRAND.” – Tobi Brink - Salisbury, NC

“God is so good to us.” – Caleb Kimbrough – Cleveland, NC

“Literally breathtaking! Just like that, hike up the hill after 6 miles.” – Madison Keener- Sherrill’s Ford, NC

“I can’t believe this is real.” – Jack Matthews – Huntersville, NC

“This is God’s creation.” – Annie Kostrzynski – Concord, NC

“Indescribable.” – Margot Tate – Cornelius, NC

“Crazy how beautiful God’s creation can be.” – Hannah Cali Coker – Union, SC

“Thankful for this amazing thing God has provided for us, but especially thankful for my family for giving me this opportunity.” – Abby Barker – Belmont, NC

“The most indescribable beauty of all.” – Isabella Deaner – Augusta, GA

“Holy cow.” – Morgan Merry – Nashville, TN

“The Grand Canyon was breathtaking.” – Bridget Lancaster – Dallas, NC

]“If everyone cried… It was probably the most breathtaking experience ever.” – Jake Holloway – Asheboro, NC.

“It was breathtaking” – Reanna Talyansky – Hendernsonville, NC

“This was the most beautiful and breathtaking thing I have ever seen!” – Olivia Crowley – Wilmington, NC

“I glittered for the 12th time.” Dexter Wray – Charlotte, NC

“This was a shocking experience.” Sarah McGrath- Belmont NC

“The most overwhelmingly surreal experience.” – Emily Baile – Orlando, FL

“Truly an awe-inspiring sight.” – Sophie Jaq Gadus – Aiken, SC

“Literally did not feel real. It’s amazing how creative God is.” – Scotland Hawes – Sanford, NC

“A beautiful canyon, so many happy little trees.” – Brooklyn Ulrich – Denver, NC

“Nothing compares.” – Phineas Mixson – Cleveland, NC

“Pretty awesome sauce.” – Garrett Zinno – Charlotte, NC

“Something I could never even try to describe.” – Katelyn Walter – Mooresville, NC

“The most mind-blowing view; it brought tears to my eyes.” – Jana White – Aberdeen, NC

“Couldn’t find a bad view.” – Riley Branham – Charlotte, NC

“It’s not just a hole in the ground.” – Eli Arnold – Jamestown, NC

“True beauty can’t be seen on camera.” – Ethan Chrestler – Cornelis, NC

“One spot switched my entire perspective.” – Bryce Casteel – Davidson, NC

“The CHANGE of scenery is crazy.” – Parker Moody – Laurinburg, NC

“It was BIG.” – Finn Mole – Aiken, SC

“Indescribable experience.” – Charlotte Weeks – Belmont, NC

“It was just beautiful, that’s it.” – Caroline O’Kelley – Beaufort, SC

“It was really big and cool to hike.” – Zack Leonard – Mooresville, NC

“I glittered with a view.” – Evan Plemmons – Denver, NC

“We only saw around 10% of the whole Grand Canyon.” – Jackson Grigg – Denver, NC

“There’s not a single person in the world that wouldn’t find it beautiful.” – Addison Norwood – Dallas, NC

“At a loss of words because of God’s amazing creations.” – Morgan Mullan – Cornelius, NC

“Truly the most overwhelming and breathtaking experience I have ever had.” – Madyson Barnes – Lincolnton NC

“It was hot.” – Lauren Davis – Clemmons, NC

“The Grand Canyon was breathtaking. Loved the view!” – Corinna Turner – McAdenville, NC

“So incredibly grateful to have been able to witness the breathtaking view!” – Lacie Mauldin – Gastonia, NC

“The Grand Canyon was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, I literally cried.” – Emma Kate Laudner – Belmont, NC

“The most breathtaking view I’ve ever seen.” – Ruby Lucas – Mooresville, NC

“Who would have thought I would be hiking the Grand Canyon at 17 years old with strangers.” – Carly Dewyea – Spartanburg, SC

“Truly Breathtaking.” – Kate Luley – Huntersville, NC

“Wow, God did it again!” – LeeAnn Dalton – Lexington, SC

“Stunning, once in a lifetime view is highly recommended.” – Brooke Simmons – Sanford, NC

“A moment of a lifetime that I’ll never forget.” – Emma Palmer – Cape Coral, FL

“I can’t even put into words how incredible it was.” – Kennedy Ferguson – Union, SC

“It made me feel small in the best way possible.” – RJ Love – Lincolnton, NC

“God’s creations are endlessly overwhelming.” – Luke St. Clair – Greensboro, NC

“I see why people live in Arizona now.” – Ben Vikner – Jamestown, NC

“Seeing the sunrise and sunset was absolutely surreal.” Erin Foran – Mooresville, NC

“So beautiful.” – Lola Kirksey – Augusta, GA

“The most indescribable experience. Everyone should see it.” – Sadie Page – Ruffin, NC

“It’s hard to think it's one of the many wonders of the world.” – Matthew Kiser – Denver, NC

“So incredibly grateful to have been able to witness the breathtaking view!” – Lacie Mauldin – Gastonia, NC

Day 6- The Grand Canyon

Day 6: Grand Canyon

Happy Hike Day, everyone!

Hey family and friends!! It’s the last day of the Dopey blogs, we know you’re just as sad as we are but don’t worry, we’ll make sure we’re in tons of photos!! Our early rise was at a whopping 4:30 am, had to get that worm and hike the beautiful “Grant” Canyon!

How we feel waking up before the crack of dawn 😴

Are you seeing double too?

Everyone is up early ready for the hike!

We had a peanut butter bagel walking to the trail to start off our day, people got the option to take different quests down into the canyon. Participants got to choose between the mile, 3 mile, and 6 mile! Grant’s dwarves did fantastic! Despite the bone chilling breeze everyone made the voyage to the “Grant” Canyon. We all took our hot girl summer walk this morning with no vehicles to the Bright Angel Trail.

Pre hike pictures 😬

Pre-hike, locking in.

Excited for the journey!

Quick pic before the hike :)

Boys are excited for the journey!

On the one mile hike they were lead by KS where they ventured down windy switchbacks. They started off slow but picked up speed and confidence as some conquered their fear of heights, even taking pictures on the edge by the end. The majority of TWB took on the 3 mile. Our very own Bryant lead one of the groups as a CIT (counselor in training). While hiking, we passed some mules, we knew they were coming in advance due to the lovely smell of their glitter on the trail. Some brave participants ventured deeper into the canyon for the 6 mile hike. The way down was incomparable to the trek up. The hike upwards got much hotter and steeper. Instead of a stairway to heaven it was a stairway to a skinny waist (real life stair-master).

In the belly of the canyon, don't worry we made it out!

Shout out to the Maddie and Rylie on the 6 mile hike.

What a View!

That was a little scary 😦.

Dopey Ryley after conquering the six miler.

Out the way Sean!

Post 6 mile hike, whew that was difficult

Today we refreshed our clothes, the guys got their stinky training bras clean. We met tons of new friends from foreign countries including Germany, Australia, and England. Reece and Kennedy talked to a couple from England, where they enjoyed the southern twang. Aiden met a couple just finishing a 3 day backpack in the canyon, maybe he’ll be able to do the same down the road. Bryant and others enjoyed a sweet treat to beat the sweltering heat and pass the ticking time.

Fisher's excited to do laundry! (He needed it, jk we love Fish)

Look at those cooks.

Is it good?

Sharing with the park ranger.

Post stew Pose.

Is it that bad?

The participants got to try the World Famous Deaton Stew, with a beef stew base, and a mix of pretzel, cheddar cheese penguins, gummy smiles, and whole apples. Along with the stew, we enjoyed GoGo juice (Orange gatorade & Lemonade), but it basically just tasted like orange gatorade.

After our treacherous hike and yummy lunch, The participants were cut loose to call home and explore all around the property of the Grand Canyon. Some went to experience the delicious restaurant options which was a nice break to sit down and have a meal with our friends instead of our typical traveling meals. Bryant, Addison, Olivia, Ruby, and Lily gifted their favorite glitter king Caleb a "Who Pooped in the Park" book because he loves to talk about his bathroom adventures with us so we thought it would be fitting to get a bed time story for him to read to the girls. Some went on a shopping spree exploring the souvenir gift shops while others stayed near camp with the phones to talk to loved ones (Like you all.)

Some campers out in the wild.

Dinner was a free for all meal as most tried the local Grand Canyon cuisine and others ate leftovers from the last few meals. For our last night at the Canyon we gathered together for another lovely sing along. It’s always such a loving and surreal experience to gather with all of our new friends and sing songs we all know and enjoy. Here at the Canyon the stars really shine bright for us and we love to lay on our backs or in our hammocks and appreciate the beauty God has blessed us with.