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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+)

Yoga | Chicago Yoga – September 20th

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Join local FD community member Shin (“Slim Shady”) and yoga teacher Tasha Polster for an awesome yoga class at Montrose Harbor! Sunday, September 20th | 9:00 am Important Details Location: Montrose Harbor Activity: 60min private group yoga class with Tasha Polster. You can check out her yoga website HERE. Cost:…

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

Rafting | Utah Rafting – September 21-25

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Join community member Mary ("Pando") and our friends at the National Ability Center (NAC) for a four-night adventure of a lifetime whitewater rafting through Cataract Canyon near Moab, Utah! Monday, September 21st @ 10:30am - Friday, September 25th @2pm Important Details Location: You'll meet your shuttle drivers just outside of…

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

Surfing | Outer Banks Surfing – September 25th – 27th

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Join local FD Community member Courtney (“Catwich”) for a fun Outer Banks Surfing Adventure with our friends over at Farm Dog Surf School! Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27th Important Details Location: Nags Head, NC. Catwitch booked an Airbnb for 12 people. After it's full, people will need to…

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

Rock Climbing | Castle Rock State Park Climbing – September 27th

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Join local community member Liz (“Pippin”) and our friends over at Adventure Out for an awesome day of climbing in Castle Rock State Park! Sunday, September 27th | 9:00am - 1:00pm Important Details Location: Los Gatos, CA Activity: Rock Climbing -  no experience necessary Cost: $120 per person (this includes gratuity)…

Eligibility: Open to new participants
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Oncology

Rock Climbing | Estes Park, CO – Oncology

August 30, 2026 - September 18, 2026

Join your First Descents community for a week of breathtaking mountain views, connection, and adventure as we climb in Rocky Mountain National Park with our friends at Colorado Mountain School! Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a climber’s paradise, offering hundreds of climbs for all skill levels. Whether you’re new…

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

Surfing | Santa Cruz, CA – Healthcare Workers

September 21, 2026 - September 26, 2026

Ride the world-famous waves of Santa Cruz, California, on this weeklong surfing adventure with your First Descents community! With a coastline that is also part marine sanctuary, Santa Cruz offers sunny beach days and pristine wilderness that is perfect for catching waves with the incredible guides at Richard Schmidt Surf…

Eligibility: Healthcare Worker Participants, ages 18-45
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