First Descents
Core Programs · About this organization
What you get
A free outdoor adventure with guided activities, a place to stay and meals. You spend time with peers, and the essential sports equipment is included.
How to start
You fill in the First Descents inquiry form. The program team then helps you choose an adventure and complete the health review.
Good to know
- You need health insurance and can attend only one Core Program.
- You cover travel unless a travel scholarship is arranged. Tell the program team when travel cost is a barrier.
The details, as published
You can try climbing, surfing or paddling with a group of peers. Your stay, meals, instruction and essential equipment are included. The program team reviews your health and access needs before the trip.
What help you may get
Camps And Retreats
Core Program outdoor adventure
Your stay includes guided outdoor activities, lodging, food and essential sports equipment. You can choose your level of activity and spend time with peers.
Noncash help · One Time
Camps And Retreats
Travel Scholarships
A travel scholarship can help you get to and from your Core Program when cost is a barrier. You need to show financial need and motivation.
Amount not published
- The amount and method of payment need confirmation from the program team.
Peer And Emotional Support
Core Program outdoor adventure — parent, sibling, or peer support
Your stay includes guided outdoor activities, lodging, food and essential sports equipment. You can choose your level of activity and spend time with peers.
Noncash help · One Time
Why this may help
Peer And Emotional Support: Your adventure includes time with peers who understand illness or caregiving.
Check the main eligibility rules
Diagnosis
B-ALL is in scope. The Oncology track requires diagnosis at ages 15–39. The current-age rule is separate and is stored in age. The B-ALL value concerns diagnosis only, not overall acceptance.
Age
Age 18 to age 45, measured at application.
Treatment status
No specific treatment status is published.
- For the caregiver track, you must have cared for someone who meets the Oncology or MS program rules.
- Only one caregiver may apply for each person who meets those rules.
- You must have health insurance and give the program your insurance information.
- Blood-thinner treatment generally prevents attendance. Discuss any exception with your physician and the program’s medical team. Do not change medication to attend.
Where you live and where your child is treated
Where your family lives
No residence restriction is published.
- You must live in the United States or Canada.
Where your child is treated
Treatment-location rules are not published clearly; confirm with the program.
How to get started
Does a social worker or care team need to start it? No. A required care-team start is not published; the family can use the available route below.
Who can start: Patient, Caregiver
- Complete the online inquiry form for the Oncology track, including your diagnosis and contact details.
- For a caregiver trip, choose the caregiver option and give the details about the person you cared for.
- Discuss trip placement and the health-review forms with the person attending.
Ways to apply or ask
- Web Form · Open form or page
- Email · programs@firstdescents.org
Documents to prepare
- General medical questionnaire: Complete the program’s health questions before attending.
- Medical Provider Release Form: The program requires this form when you have an underlying medical condition.
Availability and timing
| Program | Active |
|---|---|
| Applications | Open |
| Funding or space | Not Published |
| Application window | Not Published |
| Last checked | Sep 25, 2026 |
Limitations and things to confirm
- This is peer connection through outdoor activities, not licensed mental-health treatment.
- You may need shared sleeping space, and accessible accommodation varies by trip.
- Pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed. A guide dog for a blind participant needs advance approval.
- How are Travel Scholarships paid, and what amount or documentation is required?
- Which specific trip has space and meets your accommodation needs?
Official sources
Program details were last verified Sep 25, 2026. Availability can change, so check the official program before applying.
- firstdescents.org/programs/week-long-programs · checked Sep 25, 2026
- firstdescents.org/programs · checked Sep 25, 2026
- firstdescents.org/programs/programs-application · checked Sep 25, 2026
- firstdescents.org/programs/program-eligibility-criteria · checked Sep 25, 2026
- firstdescents.org/programs/program-nutrition · checked Sep 25, 2026
- firstdescents.org/program-adaptability-guide · checked Sep 25, 2026
- firstdescents.org/participant-faq · checked Sep 25, 2026