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

Hood River, OR – Oncology

June 11, 2023 - July 7, 2023

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 the intoxicating thrill of kayaking down glacial runoff from a 12,000-foot volcano so trust us when we say you’ll be amazed by the…

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

Missoula, MT – Oncology

June 19, 2023 - June 24, 2023

The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of western Montana and provides some of the best stretches of water to learn how to whitewater kayak in the country! Get immersed in the beauty of Big Sky Country and experience the magic of First Descents all while kayaking with…

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

Adirondacks, NY – Oncology

June 11, 2023 - June 30, 2023

The Adirondack Mountains offer six million acres of classic rock climbs, warm swimming holes, and wandering tree-lined trails. Spend a week learning how to rock climb on some of the most famous granite rock walls on the east coast with your First Descents crew and the trusted guides at Alpine…

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

Glacier National Park, MT – MS/Oncology Healthcare Workers

June 23, 2023 - June 28, 2023

First Descents is honored to now serve healthcare professionals who have dedicated their lives to improving health outcomes for our alumni and their families. It’s time we care for those who care for our community. Whether you are feeling burned out by work or in need of connecting with others…

Eligibility: MS/Onc Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45,
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Multiple Sclerosis

Buena Vista, CO – Multiple Sclerosis

August 13, 2023 - August 18, 2023

Home to the Arkansas River and towering Collegiate Peaks, Buena Vista is the perfect place to work on your kayaking skills, recharge in nature, and soak up the sunny summer days. The Arkansas River offers everything from scenic float trips to class III and IV whitewater adventures. Over your program,…

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

Buena Vista, CO – Oncology

July 23, 2023 - August 11, 2023

Home to the Arkansas River and towering Collegiate Peaks, Buena Vista is the perfect place to work on your kayaking skills, recharge in nature, and soak up the sunny summer days. The Arkansas River offers everything from scenic float trips to class III and IV whitewater adventures. Over your program,…

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

Rogue River, OR – Healthcare Workers

July 9, 2023 - July 14, 2023

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 make it the perfect kayaking playground for beginners and experts alike. Expert guides from Sundance Kayak School will teach you the basics and…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
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Oncology

Rogue River, OR – Oncology

July 23, 2023 - August 25, 2023

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 make it the perfect kayaking playground for beginners and experts alike. Expert guides from Sundance Kayak School will teach you the basics and…

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

Estes Park, CO – Oncology

August 12, 2023 - August 25, 2023

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 Colorado Mountain School! Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a climber’s paradise, offering hundreds of climbs for all skill levels. Whether you’re new…

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

Rogue River, OR – Caregivers

July 16, 2023 - July 21, 2023

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 make it the perfect kayaking playground for beginners and experts alike. Expert guides from Sundance Kayak School will teach you the basics and…

Eligibility: Caregiver Participants, ages 18-45
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Multiple Sclerosis

Estes Park, CO – Multiple Sclerosis

August 27, 2023 - September 8, 2023

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 Colorado Mountain School! Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a climber’s paradise, offering hundreds of climbs for all skill levels. Whether you’re new…

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

Santa Cruz, CA – Healthcare Workers

August 28, 2023 - September 2, 2023

Ride the world-famous waves of Santa Cruz, California on this week-long surfing adventure with your First Descents community! With a coastline that is part marine sanctuary, Santa Cruz offers sunny beach days and pristine wilderness that is perfect for catching waves with the incredible guides at Richard Schmidt Surf School.…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
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