The Basics

Company Name: First Descents
Location: HQ—Denver, Community — Global
Founded: 2001
Full-Time Employees: 14
Products: Free life-changing outdoor adventures
Social: Instagram // Facebook
Claim to Fame: Since 2001, First Descents (FD) has supported thousands of young adult cancer survivors, helping them to improve their quality of life and long-term health by providing free adventure programming and through community building. In more recent years, FD has expanded to support young adults living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), caregivers, and front-line healthcare workers responding to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Not sure this constitutes a “claim to fame” so here’s another fun fact - FD Founder, Brad Ludden, was named Cosmopolitan Magazine's "Hottest Bachelor in America”, and accolade he’ll never live down 😂

The Culture

The best thing about working at First Descents is:

The unwavering commitment to support the healing of others through adventure and community, and the inspiring people we meet along the journey.

When we’re not working, we’re:

Living examined lives, incorporating adventure, physical activity, mindfulness, nutrition and ongoing learning opportunities while giving back to our local communities.

What we’re reading:

Between Two Kingdoms - Suleika Jaouad

flow, the psychology of optimal experience - mihaly csikszentmihalyi

A Promised Land - Barack Obama

Why We Sleep - Matthew Walker

The Tao of Raven: An Alaska Native Memoir Hardcover - Ernestine Hayes 

Stamped From The Beginning - Ibram X. Kendi

What we’re listening to:

Music: Bob Marley, Dr. Dre, War on Drugs, Tycho, The Lumineers, Talking Heads, Mos Def, Lake Street Dive, Sylvan Esso, Leon Bridges, Keb'Mo', Waxahatchee, Glass Animals, The Grateful Dead

Radio / Podcasts: NPR, The Daily, Pod Save America, Making Sense, Dare to Lead, Conversations by Coleman, Trevor Noah's Podcast, This American Life, Pod Save America

If they made a movie about our workplace, it would be called:

Movie Title: Out Living It

Book Title: Out Living It, An Untold Story of First Descents by Paul "Crash" Kelly

Inclusion in the outdoors matters because:

For 20+ years we've witnessed the healing power of adventure and the life-changing impact the outdoors can have for different communities. Natural playgrounds have the ability to address trauma, bond strangers, bridge differences, and welcome courage. Quite simply, the outdoors can instill awe and a great appreciation for life. Individuals of all communities deserve to access, benefit, and feel safe in the outdoors. We need to acknowledge that more resources, leaders, and conversations are needed to make this a more equitable reality for all. 

Five years down the line, it’s our hope that:

… through an ongoing commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, EVERYONE 1) has equal access to outdoor spaces, and 2) that they are and feel welcome, valued and empowered to experience the healing power of nature and adventure.

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