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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 | Cleveland Kayaking – August 17th

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Join local FD members Jennifer (“Sporty”) and Jacqueline ("Petri") for a fun Cleveland Kayaking adventure on Lake Erie! This meetup was originally scheduled for July 26th but was pushed back because of thunderstorms.  Sunday, August 17 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Important Details Location: 41 North rental center in…

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

Kayaking | Cincinnati Kayaking – August 23rd

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Join local FD Community member Valerie (“Pages”) for a fun Cincinnati Kayaking on the Little Miami River starting at Carl Rahe Park! Saturday, August 23 | 10 AM Important Details Location: Carl Rahe Park. Meet at the Carl Rahe Park Access: Little Miami Scenic Trail, Maineville, OH 45039 Activity: Kayaking…

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

Rafting | Moab Rafting – August 23rd

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Join the local FD community for a FREE weekend Moab Rafting adventure on the Colorado River! Our friends over at OARS: Whitewater Rafting are generously providing this amazing opportunity to the FD community. Saturday August 23rd Important Details Location: Moab, UT Activity: Rafting! Cost: FREE (OARS is generously donating this…

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

Hiking | Ann Arbor Hiking – August 24th

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Join local FD Community member Mary (“Sassafras”) for a fun Ann Arbor hiking adventure at the Brighton State Recreation Area!  Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 AM Important Details Location: Brighton State Recreation Area. Meet in front of the Visitor Center: 6360 Chilson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 Activity: Hiking the 3.5…

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

Kayaking | Sundance Kayaking Retreat – August 25th – 28th

August 25, 2025 - August 28, 2025

Join our friends at Sundance Kayak School for a wonderful 4 day FD Alumni Whitewater Kayak Retreat on the Rogue River in Southwest Oregon. This retreat is open to anyone who has already attended a weeklong Core Program (kayaking, climbing or surfing) and is looking to continue Out Living It with…

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

Paddle Boarding | Chicago Paddle Boarding and Fireworks – August 27th

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Join local FD Community member Sam (“Dragon”) for a fun beginner-friendly Chicago Paddle Boarding Lesson and Fireworks. We will enjoy a 1 and a half hour stand-up paddleboard class and watch the Navy Pier fireworks from the paddleboards.  Wednesday, August 27 | 7:30 PM  Important Details Location: North Avenue Beach…

Eligibility: Open to new participants
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