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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.

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Oncology

Outer Banks, NC – Oncology

April 28, 2025 - May 10, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known as one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. During this program, participants will spend four days…

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

Outer Banks, NC – Caregivers

May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known as one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. During this program, participants will spend four days…

Eligibility: Caregiver Participants, ages 18-45, serving those ages 18-45
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FD Community (18+)

Sundance Kayaking Retreat – August 25th – 28th

August 25, 2025 - August 28, 2025

Join our friends at Sundance Kayak School for a wonderful 4 day FD Alumni Whitewater Kayak Retreat on the Rogue River in Southwest Oregon. This retreat is open to anyone who has already attended an FD adventure program (kayaking, climbing or surfing) and is looking to continue Out Living It…

Eligibility: Open to new participants.
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FD Community (18+)

Sundance Kayaking Wild & Scenic Trip – September 6th – 10th

September 6, 2025 - September 10, 2025

Join our friends at Sundance Kayak School for the first 5 day FD Alumni Wild & Scenic Whitewater Kayak trip on the Rogue River in Southwest Oregon. This trip is open to anyone who has already attended an FD adventure program (kayaking, climbing or surfing) and is looking to continue…

Eligibility: Open to new participants.
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Multiple Sclerosis

Outer Banks, NC – Multiple Sclerosis

May 12, 2025 - May 17, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for its warm waters, golden beaches and consistent surf break. You'll spend four days honing your surfing skills with…

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

Smoky Mountains, NC – Oncology

May 11, 2025 - June 6, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City offers some of the best whitewater kayaking in the American Southeast. With a rich history in…

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

Hood River, OR – Oncology

June 1, 2025 - June 27, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! Located in the famous Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, our Hood River programs are the perfect introduction to whitewater kayaking. You won’t be able to beat…

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

Adirondacks, NY – Healthcare Workers

June 8, 2025 - June 13, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Adirondack Mountains offer six million acres of classic long climbs, warm swimming holes and meandering tree-lined trails. Spend a week learning how to rock climb on…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
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Oncology

Missoula, MT – Oncology

June 9, 2025 - July 19, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of Western Montana and provides some of the best stretches of water in the country to learn how…

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

Adirondacks, NY – Oncology

June 15, 2025 - June 27, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Adirondack Mountains offer six million acres of classic rock climbs, warm swimming holes and meandering tree-lined trails. Spend a week learning how to rock climb on…

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

Missoula, MT – Multiple Sclerosis

June 23, 2025 - June 28, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of Western Montana and provides some of the best stretches of water in the country to learn how…

Eligibility: Multiple Sclerosis Participants, ages 18-45
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Oncology

Rogue River, OR – Oncology

July 6, 2025 - August 8, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Rogue River starts its journey at Crater Lake and winds its way through 215 miles of Oregonian wilderness. The warm water, friendly rapids and lush scenery…

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