First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors (ages 18 to 39) a free week-long outdoor adventure experience designed to enable them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives, and connect with others doing the same.
WHAT HAPPENS AT FIRST DESCENTS:
During the weeklong First Descents experience, young adult survivors are empowered through conquering legitimate outdoor challenges to push their limits and face their fears, and by doing so, they are able to regain the confidence and self-efficacy lost to cancer. First Descents places an emphasis on each individual’s experience and provides the right support for every participant to achieve their goals for the week. The experience is designed to allow healing to happen naturally and organically – no forced conversations and no structured group sessions or therapy. Each program is limited to 15 campers, ensuring individualized care, medical attention and an intimate experience with fellow survivors. First Descents programs are available to young adults with cancer regardless of their financial means. All meals, accommodations and program activities are provided free of charge, including travel scholarships, when needed. In 2011 First Descents will host 28 weeklong programs in 6 states (MT, OR, CO, NC, UT, and CA) and Canada.
It’s not too late to register! There is still availability in the following adventure programs for FIRST- TIME
May 22 – 27: Rocky Mtn Natl Park, CO (rock climbing)participants:
May 29 – June 3: Rocky Mtn Natl Park, CO (rock climbing)
May 29 – June 3: Bryson City, NC (whitewater kayaking)
June 5 – 10: Bryson City, NC (whitewater kayaking)
July 10 – 16: Kalispell, MT (whitewater kayaking)
August 14 – 20 (whitewater kayaking – Canadian citizens only) Sept 4 – 9: Rocky Mtn Natl Park, CO (rock climbing)
Sept 11 – 16: Rocky Mtn Natl Park, CO (rock climbing)
Sept 18 – 23: Rocky Mtn Natl Park, CO (rock climbing)
Sept 25 – 30: Rocky Mtn Natl Park, CO (rock climbing)
And the following adventure programs for RETURNING participants:
July 10 – 16: Kalispell, MT (whitewater kayaking)
June 15 – 21: Hood River, OR (whitewater kayaking)
July 23 – 39: Hood River, OR (whitewater kayaking)
July 3 – 9: Kalispell, MT (whitewater kayaking)
July 11 – 17: Kalispell, MT (whitewater kayaking)
July 24 – 30: Kalispell, MT (whitewater kayaking)
To apply, visit www.firstdescents.org/application
Volunteer! First Descents welcomes medical providers to volunteer at camp, lending expertise and offering additional medical support. If you are a medical provider interested in getting involved with FD, please email ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ for more information!