Outdoor Adventures & Support for Young Adults Affected by Cancer

Build your support system with these adventure and outdoor-based programs—because no one should have to go through cancer alone.

These organizations offer transformative experiences that help young adults regain confidence, connect with others who understand, and embrace life beyond their diagnosis.

Send It Foundation 

Provides multi-day adventure trips (skiing, surfing, rock climbing, and more) in locations such as Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area for young adult cancer survivors (typically ages 21-40; however, this is flexible). Most of their programs are free, and the Send It team also works with individuals to help subsidize travel costs! These trips foster a supportive community and encourage participants to live life to the fullest.

What makes it unique? Small, intimate group settings (6-9 participants per program) foster deep connections and a strong sense of belonging.

Link: https://senditfoundation.org/

First Descents 

Offers free outdoor adventures (kayaking, climbing, and surfing) for young adults (18-45) impacted by cancer (and Multiple Sclerosis!).

What sets them apart? A strong focus on healing through challenge and community, helping participants redefine their limits. They also offer programs for caregivers and healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, social workers, and more) who dedicate themselves to improving health outcomes. Since they serve participants with mobility, coordination, hearing, and vision challenges, First Descents provides an adaptability guide to help individuals determine which programs best suit their needs.

Link: https://firstdescents.org/

Camp Mak-A-Dream 

Hosts cost-free retreats and camps in Montana for children, teens, and young adults affected by cancer.

What makes them different? Camp Mak-A-Dream serves not just survivors but also caregivers and siblings, creating a family-focused healing space. Their retreats blend education, recreation, and relaxation through workshops, outdoor activities, art projects, entertainment, and free time.

Link: https://www.campdream.org/camps-programs/

True North Treks 

Guides backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking excursions in remote natural settings for young adults with cancer and their caregivers.

Unique feature? A blend of mindfulness, meditation, and nature immersion, fostering mental and emotional resilience. One thing to note: True North Treks takes participants to remote locations. While these treks are beautiful and peaceful, they may not be suitable for individuals currently receiving active treatment that could increase their risk of infection in the backcountry.

Link: https://www.truenorthtreks.org/

Epic Experience 

Offers free week-long camps in the Colorado Rockies (travel costs may not be covered) with activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding for cancer survivors 18 and older.

Standout aspect? A focus on ‘thrivership’, helping participants rediscover joy and strength beyond treatment. They also created ThriveVR, a virtual reality experience designed to immerse cancer patients undergoing treatment in nature-based adventures like horseback riding, paddleboarding, and white-water rafting. These VR experiences include mindfulness voice-overs to provide a calming and empowering environment, fostering a sense of community during a potentially isolating time. It’s unclear whether there is a cost associated with ThriveVR or if rentals are available.

Link: https://www.epicexperience.org/

Project Koru 

Hosts surfing and adventure retreats for young adults with cancer (18-39). Camps and transportation to/from the airport are free (airfare scholarships are available for those who qualify). These camps focus on learning a new sport, embracing vulnerability, exploring the outdoors, and connecting with fellow survivors.

What makes it special? A strong emphasis on ocean therapy, personal empowerment, and post-cancer confidence-building.

Link: https://www.projectkoru.org/

💡 Interested in joining these communities right away? Many of them offer one-day regional meetups in various U.S. cities. Follow them on social media to stay updated on upcoming community gatherings!