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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 | 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+)

Kayaking | Sundance Kayaking Wild & Scenic Trip – September 6th – 10th

September 6, 2025 - September 10, 2025

Join our friends at Sundance Kayak School for the first 5 day FD Alumni Wild & Scenic Whitewater Kayak trip on the Rogue River in Southwest Oregon. This trip is open to anyone who has already attended a weeklong Core Program (kayaking, climbing or surfing) and is looking to continue Out…

Eligibility: Open to new participants
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Oncology

Kayaking | Hood River, OR – Oncology

June 1, 2025 - June 27, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! 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…

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

Rock Climbing | Adirondacks, NY – Healthcare Workers

June 8, 2025 - June 13, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Adirondack Mountains offer six million acres of classic long climbs, warm swimming holes and meandering tree-lined trails. Spend a week learning how to rock climb on…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
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Oncology

Kayaking | Missoula, MT – Oncology

June 9, 2025 - July 19, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of Western Montana and provides some of the best stretches of water in the country to learn how…

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

Rock Climbing | Adirondacks, NY – Oncology

June 15, 2025 - June 27, 2025

Registration is open! Please fill out an inquiry if you are new to First Descents or log in to your FD Portal to sign up for a program! The Adirondack Mountains offer six million acres of classic rock climbs, warm swimming holes and meandering tree-lined trails. Spend a week learning how to rock climb on…

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

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