https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=27&v=xpB9Bvd42hk
First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18 – 39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. First Descents is a recognized leader in outdoor experiential programming. Our participants experience free outdoor adventure programs that empower them to climb, paddle, and surf beyond their diagnosis, reclaim their lives, and connect with others doing the same. Through outdoor adventures, skills development, and local adventure communities, FD improves the long-term survivorship of young adults impacted by cancer.
Programs ensure individualized care, medical attention, and supportive experiences with fellow survivors. First Descents programs are offered free of cost to participants.
We will meet you where you are at. We will teach you everything you need to know. Our goal is to get you on a free program that works for you, as soon as possible. This could include destination week-long programs or local multi- and single-day programs closer to where you live.
Impact
First Descents is committed to studying program impact and efficacy. To date, we have participated in two formal impact studies that inform ongoing program evaluation.
First Descents addresses what the National Cancer Institute identifies as a major determinant of long term survivorship health … ongoing psychosocial supportive care.
Why Young Adults?
Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death in young adults. With approximately 70,000 new diagnoses annually, young adults comprise the fastest-growing and most underserved oncology age demographic.
Why It Works
In 2015, First Descents worked with the University of Michigan to evaluate the psychosocial benefits of our programming. The infographic above highlights the top findings from this study including an increase in self esteem, body image, and our participants ability to cope with cancer and its ongoing effects as well as a 10% decrease in depression.
This 2015 study continued First Descents’ effort to better understand the psychosocial effects of going on a First Descents program following up on a study conducted in 2012 with the Keck Graduate Institute. The full studies from 2015 and 2012 are linked below.
I did not expect to form intense, lifelong bonds
with participants.
It was exactly what I needed.
The physical challenge of surfing allowed me
to reconnect with the active, vibrant person
I was before cancer.
2016 Participant
While the doctors and medicine may have saved my life,
First Descents taught me how to live again.
NEW YORK CITY, NY
Craving a winter adventure? Join us for a weekend of ice climbing in the Catskills Mountains while enjoying cozy lodging by Saugerties. We will scale up frozen waterfalls with ice tools and crampons. This is bound to be an adventure you never forget! Beginners welcome!
DENVER, COLORDO
The Denver community is heading to the Vail Valley for an epic weekend of ice climbing and winter fun with your Colorado community. Sign up to join First Descents and experience an incredible program packed full of all our favorite things … amazing adventure, dance parties, family dinners, and hot cocoa!
Registration will be emailed to the Denver Trib 10 weeks prior to the program. In an effort to spread the FD love, this program is only open to folks who have attended fewer than 2 Multi-Day programs with us previously.
SURFING
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known to be one of the most beautiful vacations spots on the East Coast and one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. The water is warm, the beaches are golden, and the surf break is consistent. After epic days spent catching waves and stand-up paddle boarding, you will kick back in some of the most beautiful lodging that FD has to offer!
During this program, participants will spend four days honing their surfing skills with our longtime outfitter, Farmdog Surf School. After epic days spent catching the waves, you’ll kick back at our gorgeous ocean-front house to relax and enjoy delicious meals prepared by First Descents Chefs– all with your new FD community!
AUSTIN, TEXAS
RUN THE RAPIDS IN SAN MARCOS
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CRUISING THROUGH FORESTS ON TWO WHEELS
HOOD RIVER, OREGON
KAYAKING
CASCADE MOUNTAINS, WASHINGTON
CLIMBING
D.C.- BALTIMORE, MD
OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING TRIP
ADIRONDACKS, NEW YORK
CLIMBING
AND SO MANY MORE!
Phone: 303.945.2490
Fax: 866.592.6911
Email: [email protected]
Address: 621 Kalamath St. Ste 175,
Denver, Colorado 80204
EIN: 81-0539964
Leave a Reply