Outdoor Adventures for Young Adults Impacted by Cancer and MS

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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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FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Miami Hiking – January 17th

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Join local FD Community member LaShae (“Swish”) and the AYA Program team at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for a fun Miami area hiking adventure at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park! Saturday, January 17 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Important Details Location: D18 Picnic Pavillion Activity: Hiking a portion…

Eligibility: Open to new participants

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FD Community (18+)

Rock Climbing | Philadelphia Climbing – January 24th

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Join local FD Community member Adam (“Recliner”) for a fun Philadelphia climbing adventure at Philadelphia Rock Gym - East Falls! Saturday, January 24 | 11:00 AM Important Details Location: Philadelphia Rock Gym - East Falls: 3500 Scotts Ln #3, Philadelphia, PA 19129 Activity: Indoor Rock Climbing Cost: $19 / per person…

Eligibility: Open to new participants

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FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Chicago Hiking – January 31st

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Join local FD Community member Sam ("Dragon") for a fun Chicago hiking adventure at Skokie Lagoons. Saturday, January 31 | 11:00 AM Important Details Location: Skokie Lagoons Activity: We will be hiking the Skokie Lagoons Inner Trail, a 4.2 mile loop. What to bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, water, warm layers. Cost:…

Eligibility: Open to new participants

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FD Community (18+)

Rock Climbing | Tampa Climbing – February 7th

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Join local FD community member, Mandy ("Twiggy") for an awesome afternoon of climbing at Vertical Ventures Climbing Gym in St. Petersburg. Saturday, February 7th | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Important Details Location: Vertical Ventures Activity: Indoor climbing! What to bring: Comfortable clothes to climb in and a water bottle. Cost:…

Eligibility: Open to new participants

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FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Chicago Hiking – February 28th

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Join local FD Community member Anna ("Smiles") for a fun Chicago hiking adventure at Waterfall Glen! Saturday, February 28 | 11:00 AM Important Details Location: Waterfall Glen Preserve Activity: A casual hike - there's a 9.5 mile loop, but we can do an out-and-back with whatever distance the group feels comfortable with…

Eligibility: Open to new participants

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FD Community (18+)

Canoeing | Rock Climbing | Tampa Canoeing & Climbing – March 6th-8th

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Join FD Community Member Mandy (“Twiggy”) for an awesome Tampa canoeing & climbing weekend at Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center. Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8 Important Details Location: Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center Activity: Canoeing, Climbing & hanging out! Duration: Day Option - Saturday 9am-6:30pm OR Overnight Options…

Eligibility: Open to new participants

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Outdoor Adventure Programs

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FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Miami Hiking – January 17th

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Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Rock Climbing | Philadelphia Climbing – January 24th

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Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Chicago Hiking – January 31st

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Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Rock Climbing | Tampa Climbing – February 7th

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Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Chicago Hiking – February 28th

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Canoeing | Rock Climbing | Tampa Canoeing & Climbing – March 6th-8th

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Eligibility: Open to new participants

FAQ's

Outdoor Adventure Programs

Home Programs Week-Long Programs

Find Your Adventure

Filters

FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Miami Hiking – January 17th

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Rock Climbing | Philadelphia Climbing – January 24th

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Chicago Hiking – January 31st

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Rock Climbing | Tampa Climbing – February 7th

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Hiking | Chicago Hiking – February 28th

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FD Community (18+)

Canoeing | Rock Climbing | Tampa Canoeing & Climbing – March 6th-8th

Check back for dates.

Eligibility: Open to new participants

FAQ's

Out Living It Blog

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