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Outdoor Adventure Programs

“First Descents provided me with the foundation to break down the physical and emotional walls that cancer has been building in me. This experience was a catalyst, and just the kind of life changing force I needed.” -First Descents Participant

First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures and community support for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions, as well as frontline healthcare workers and caregivers. Click here to view our full eligibility criteria. Our goal is to get you Out Living It on a program that works for you as soon as possible. From rock climbing in the Adirondacks to whitewater kayaking the Rogue River in Oregon, there is an adventure for everyone. Our adventure programs are fully adaptive and completely free of cost. There’s no better way to start Out Living It with your new First Descents community!

Ready to join us on an adventure? Check out our upcoming programs below and then Apply Today!

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Oncology

Surfing | Outer Banks, NC – Oncology

April 28, 2024 - May 10, 2024

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 honing their surfing skills with our longtime outfitter, Farmdog Surf School. After epic days spent catching the waves, you’ll kick back at our…

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

Surfing | Outer Banks, NC – Caregivers

May 19, 2024 - May 24, 2024

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 honing their surfing skills with our longtime outfitter, Farmdog Surf School. After epic days spent catching the waves, you’ll kick back at our…

Eligibility: Caregiver Participants, ages 18-45, serving those ages 18-45
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Multiple Sclerosis

Surfing | Outer Banks, NC – Multiple Sclerosis

May 12, 2024 - May 17, 2024

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 our longtime outfitter, Farmdog Surf School. After epic days spent catching waves, you’ll kick back at our gorgeous oceanfront house to relax, enjoy…

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

Kayaking | Smoky Mountains, NC – Oncology

May 12, 2024 - June 7, 2024

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 the kayaking world and one of the greatest kayak learning centers in the country, this is an unbeatable place for your First Descents…

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

Kayaking | Hood River, OR – Oncology

May 26, 2024 - July 5, 2024

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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Healthcare Workers

Rock Climbing | Adirondacks, NY – Healthcare Workers

June 9, 2024 - June 14, 2024

The Adirondack Mountains offer six million acres of classic long 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: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
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