JOIN US FOR A 2026 HEALING ADVENTURE!

Adventure is calling! First Descents’ 2026 Core Program Registration opens on Monday, February 2, at 11 AM MST.

Get started today by browsing the amazing destinations we have planned and start thinking about which program you’d like to join. Then be sure to log in to the FD Portal on February 2 to submit your choices! Don’t have a login yet? Submit an inquiry form HERE.

All programs are FREE and include lodging in a spectacular location, plus gear, pro-guided instruction, chef-prepared meals, and time to kick back with fellow members of our incredible FD community.

BROWSE CORE PROGRAMS

JOIN US FOR A 2026 HEALING ADVENTURE!

Our Programs

To apply for a First Descents program, click the Join Us button below!

Main Program Offerings

Core Programs

Core Programs are available to young adults impacted by cancer and multiple sclerosis, caregivers, and healthcare workers. Participants must be diagnosed with cancer or MS between the age of (15-39) and must currently be between the age of (18-45).

Core Programs

Community Adventures

Part of the Out Living It Project, Community Adventures are adventure experiences created and facilitated by FD alumni and members of the FD community.

Community Adventures

Prescribe Adventure

Partner with FD to improve the emotional and physical health for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer and MS patients in your care. Whether you refer patients to our programs or want to sponsor a program, we are committed to supporting your team to address the unique needs of AYA survivors.

Prescribe Adventure

Programs Finder

Programs ensure individualized care, medical attention and intimate experiences with fellow survivors. First Descents programs are offered free of cost to participants.

Filters

Find Your Adventure

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Oncology

Outer Banks, NC – Oncology

April 26, 2026 - May 8, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to surf the Outer Banks. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known as one of the best surfing spots…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
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Caregivers

Outer Banks, NC – Caregivers

May 17, 2026 - May 22, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to surf the Outer Banks. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known as one of the best surfing spots…

Eligibility: Caregiver Participants, ages 18-45, serving those ages 18-45
View Program

Multiple Sclerosis

Outer Banks, NC – Multiple Sclerosis

May 10, 2026 - May 15, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to surf the Outer Banks. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for its warm waters, golden beaches, and…

Eligibility: Multiple Sclerosis Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Oncology

Smoky Mountains, NC – Oncology

May 10, 2026 - June 5, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in the Smokies. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City offers some of the…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Oncology

Hood River, OR – Oncology

June 7, 2026 - July 3, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in Hood River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! Located in the famous Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, our Hood River programs are…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Oncology

Missoula, MT – Oncology

June 8, 2026 - June 20, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in Blackfoot River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of Western Montana and provides some…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Oncology

Adirondacks, NY – Oncology

June 7, 2026 - June 26, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to rock climb in the Adirondacks in New York. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Adirondack Mountains offer 6 million acres of classic rock climbs,…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Multiple Sclerosis

Missoula, MT – Multiple Sclerosis

June 22, 2026 - June 27, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in the Blackfoot River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of Western Montana and provides…

Eligibility: Multiple Sclerosis Participants, ages 18-45
View Program

Oncology

Rogue River, OR – Oncology

July 12, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in the Rogue River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Rogue River starts its journey at Crater Lake and winds its way through…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Oncology

Estes Park, CO – Oncology

August 30, 2026 - September 18, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to climb in the Rocky Mountains. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! Join your First Descents community for a week of breathtaking mountain views, connection, and…

Eligibility: Oncology Participants, ages 18-45, diagnosed ages 15-39
View Program

Healthcare Workers

Rogue River, OR – Healthcare Workers

July 5, 2026 - July 10, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in the Rogue River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Rogue River starts its journey at Crater Lake and winds its way through…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
View Program

Healthcare Workers

Santa Cruz, CA – Healthcare Workers

September 21, 2026 - September 26, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to surf in Santa Cruz. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! Ride the world-famous waves of Santa Cruz, California, on this weeklong surfing adventure with your…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
View Program

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