fbpx

JOIN US FOR A 2025 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

Filter By
FD Community (18+)

NOC Kayaking Weekend – August 2nd & 3rd

August 2, 2025 - August 3, 2025

Join FD alum Nicole ("Maze") for a wonderful weekend of Whitewater Kayaking with our friends at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). This intro and intermediate weekend is perfect for anyone brand new to whitewater or kayaking, and also for those who have some experience in a boat but want to hone…

Eligibility: Open to new participants.
View Program

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 a weeklong Core Program (kayaking, climbing or surfing) and is looking to continue Out Living It with…

Eligibility: Open to new participants.
View Program

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 a weeklong Core Program (kayaking, climbing or surfing) and is looking to continue Out…

Eligibility: Open to new participants.
View Program

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
View Program

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
View Program

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
View Program

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
View Program

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
View Program

Oncology

Estes Park, CO – Oncology

August 17, 2025 - August 29, 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! Join your First Descents community for a week of breathtaking mountain views, connection and adventure as we climb in Rocky Mountain National Park with our friends at…

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

Healthcare Workers

Rogue River, OR – Healthcare Workers

August 10, 2025 - August 15, 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: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
View Program

Caregivers

Rogue River, OR – Caregivers

August 17, 2025 - August 22, 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: Caregiver Participants, ages 18-45
View Program

Multiple Sclerosis

Estes Park, CO – Multiple Sclerosis

September 7, 2025 - September 12, 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! Join your First Descents community for a week of breathtaking mountain views, connection and adventure as we climb in Rocky Mountain National Park with our friends at…

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

The Out Living It Blog

Out Living It Blog

Read The Blog

Why FD Works

Read More