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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+)

Kayaking | St. Louis SUP & Kayaking – June 20th

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Join local FD Community member Crystal (“Honey B”) for a fun St. Louis paddleboarding and kayaking hangout at Creve Coeur Lake. Saturday, June 20th  | 10:00 am Important Details Location: 13171 Dripping Springs Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Activity: Kayaking or paddleboarding! Feel free to bring your own water craft…

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

Hiking | Buffalo Hiking – June 20th

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Join local FD Community member Brianna ("Navigator") for a fun Buffalo hiking adventure in Amherst State Park! Saturday, June 20th | 10:00 AM Important Details Location: Amherst State Park Activity: Hiking the Glen Falls Trail Loop. A 2.6 mile hike (AllTrails) Cost: free What to bring: Bring hydration, snacks, sun protection,…

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

Hiking | Cincinnati Hiking – June 27th

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Join local FD Community member Laura ("New Boots") for a fun Cincinnati Hiking day at the Rentschler Forest Metropark. Saturday, June 27th | 10:00 AM Important Details Location: Rentschler Forest Metropark Activity:2-3 miles easy hike (~1.5 hours) Cost: Free! What to bring: Sun protection, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, water and snacks.…

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

Hiking | North Carolina Hiking – June 27th

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Join local FD community member Courtney (“Catwitch”) for a fun North Carolina hike in Stone Mountain State Park. Saturday, June 27th | 9:00 am Important Details Location: Stone Mountain State Park. We will meet at the lower trailhead HERE. Activity: We will hike the 7-mile Stone Mountain to Blackjack Ridge Trail…

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

Dragon Boat | Denver Dragon Boat Paddling – June 28th

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Join local FD Community members Rachel (“Canoe”) and Leilani for a fun  Dragon Boat Paddling and Potluck meet up at the Aruora Reservoir! No experience or equipment necessary. Sunday, June 28th | 11:00 AM Important Details Location: Aurora Reservoir. Meet at the Boat Ramp: 5800 S Powhaton Rd, Aurora, CO…

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

Hiking | Southwestern Virginia Hiking – July 5th

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Join local FD community member Catherine (“Ollie”) for a Waterfall Hiking Meetup near Blacksburg, VA! The Cascades trail is a moderate 4-mile out and back to the 66-foot-tall Cascades Falls located in the Jefferson National Forest in Pembroke, VA. Sunday, July 5th | 9:00 am Important Details Location: Cascades Day…

Eligibility: Open to new participants
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