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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+)

Backpacking | Montana Backpacking- September 4th – 6th

September 4, 2026 - September 6, 2026

Join FD community member Jessica (Didi) and our friends at Wild North Guides for an epic three day backpacking trip in Northwestern Montana! We will be backpacking near Glacier National Park and will enjoy some truly amazing views!  This trip is open to anyone who has already attended a weeklong…

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

Rock Climbing | Central New York Climbing — September 19th

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Join FD community members Jim and Marcie ("Rock Dancer") from The Clark Sports Center for a full day of awesome Central New York climbing! Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Important Details Location: Little Falls, NY Activity: Rock climbing on Moss Island! Cost: $40 per person, includes…

Eligibility: Open to new participants
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Multiple Sclerosis

Surfing | Outer Banks, NC – Multiple Sclerosis

May 10, 2026 - May 15, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to surf the Outer Banks. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for its warm waters, golden beaches, and…

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

Kayaking | Smoky Mountains, NC – Oncology

May 10, 2026 - June 5, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in the Smokies. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City offers some of the…

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

Kayaking | Hood River, OR – Oncology

June 7, 2026 - July 3, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in Hood River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! Located in the famous Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, our Hood River programs are…

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

Kayaking | Missoula, MT – Oncology

June 8, 2026 - June 20, 2026

Registration opens February 2026 to kayak in Blackfoot River. The First Descents community will be notified via email. To join the FD community and receive updates when Programs are open for registration, sign up here! The Blackfoot River winds its way through the heart of Western Montana and provides some…

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