During the weeklong camp experience young adults living with the challenges of cancer learn to face, define and manage their fears with a determined and constructive approach. Using kayaking as a real-life example, camp participants are empowered to become secure in their abilities and to maneuver their way through life's many obstacles with care and confidence. Emphasis is placed on daily goal-setting, confidence workouts and teamwork exercises. Campers test these new found skills everyday through a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, rafting, challenge courses and horseback riding.

The camp size is limited to 14 campers per session, ensuring each camper individualized care and medical attention. Throughout the camp, world-class athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and guest speakers share their experiences and knowledge. Meals, accommodations and camp experience are all provided to campers free of charge.

Financial Assistance NOT Available

Breakfast and dinner are cooked and served in our on-site kitchen by our camp Mom and other volunteers using fresh ingredients. Lunches are typically provided by community restaurants or grocery stores. We are able to accommodate special diet needs by request.

During the weeklong camp experience young adults living with the challenges of cancer learn to face, define and manage their fears with a determined and constructive approach. Using kayaking as a real-life example, camp participants are empowered to become secure in their abilities and to maneuver their way through life's many obstacles with care and confidence. Emphasis is placed on daily goal-setting, confidence workouts and teamwork exercises. Campers test these new found skills everyday through a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, rafting, challenge courses and horseback riding.

The camp size is limited to 14 campers per session, ensuring each camper individualized care and medical attention. Throughout the camp, world-class athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and guest speakers share their experiences and knowledge. Meals, accommodations and camp experience are all provided to campers free of charge.

First Descents camps are designed to be inspirational, educational and above all, fun. It's an ideal escape for young adults struggling with the challenges of cancer.

Morning
Mornings at the camp feature a hearty breakfast followed by a presentation by a professional athlete. Past speakers include:

Sean Swarner, First cancer survivor to summit Everest
Sara Will, 12-time Paralympic gold medallist, women's world champion disabled skier
Picabo Street, Olympic gold medallist skier
Amy Van Dyken, Olympic swimmer, 6-time medallist
Tom Rouen, Denver Bronco
Ellen Miller, Everest climber and adventure racer
Chris Anthony, world extreme skiing champion
Barrett Christy - US Women's Olympic Snowboard Team, winningest athlete in winter X Games history

Day
Days at First Descents include one or two outdoor activities highlighting the best of Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Kayaking:
Taught by professionally certified instructors, campers spend two sessions on a flat-water pond and then two days on the scenic Colorado River. All equipment is provided and thanks to generous support from Dagger, campers can try out the latest kayak designs.

Rafting:
An experienced outfitter guides campers through the thrilling Class III rapids of the Colorado River in spectacular Glenwood Canyon.

Horseback Riding:
Campers experience the Colorado backcountry the old-fashioned way, on the back of a horse. A professional outfitter leads campers on a scenic trail ride and afterwards campers test their roping skills and cowboy lingo at a real working ranch.

Challenge Course:
Campers build their strength and confidence in themselves, and one another on a course that includes obstacles such as the Trust Fall, the Mohawk Walk, the Initiative Wall and the Wild Woosey.

Hiking:
Campers enjoy short, but spectacular guided hikes providing unbelievable views of several surrounding mountain ranges.

Sightseeing:
Campers have the opportunity to explore the famous pedestrian villages of Vail.

Night
Days are busy at First Descents, so the nights are designed to be relaxed and easy. Most evenings feature home-cooked meals followed by movies, games or just plain lounging.