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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+)

Rock Climbing | Gunks Climbing – October 18th

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Join local community member Steph ("Shelby") for an awesome half-day of Gunks climbing with our friends over at Rise Outside! Sunday, October 18th | 9:00am - 1:00pm Important Details Location: Gardiner, NY Activity: Rock Climbing! Cost: $95 per person Capacity: This event is capped at 12 people, so make sure to…

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

Hiking | Massachusetts Hiking – October 18th

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Join local FD community member, Jen (“Moose”), for an awesome Massachusetts hike around Gates Pond in Berlin, MA. Sunday, October 18th | 10:30 am Important Details Location: We will meet at the trailhead HERE. Activity: The hike is a 2.5-mile loop. You can check it out HERE. Cost: Free What…

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

Hiking | Maplewood, NJ Hiking – October 24th

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Join local FD community member Tina (“Tango”) for a leaf-peeping hike in NJ! The trail is a moderate 4-mile loop in the South Mountain Reservation (not far from the Millburn NJ Transit stop) that should take around 2-2.5 hrs. We'll walk through the forest, along the Rahway River, and pass by…

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

Rock Climbing | Chicago Climbing – October 25th

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Join local FD community member Samantha ("Dragon") for a fun indoor climbing hangout at Movement Lincoln Park! Sunday, October 25th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Important Details Location: Movement Lincoln Park - 1460 N Dayton St, Chicago, IL 60642 Activity: Some fun indoor climbing! Cost: Free for the first 17 people…

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

Rock Climbing | Salt Lake City Climbing – October 26th

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Join local FD Community member Hilary ("McHappy") for a fun Salt Lake City climbing adventure at Westminster University!  Monday, October 26th | 6:00-8:00 PM Important Details Location: Westminster University Climbing Wall Activity: Indoor Top Rope Climbing Cost: Free! All equipment, belayers, and climbing instruction will be provided. Max capacity: 30 Participants…

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

Rock Climbing | Durham, NC Climbing – October 26th

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Join local FD Community member Yujia ("Metro") for a fun Durham, NC climbing adventure at Triangle Rock Club!  Monday, October 26th | 7:00 PM Important Details Location: Triangle Rock Club Activity: Indoor Rock Climbing Cost: $15 per person What to bring: Water and snacks, all equipment provided! Whether it’s your first…

Eligibility: Open to new participants
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