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State University of New York Launches SUNY Canton's New 'Outdoors for All' Program

The college received an $8,000 grant to equip students for outdoor adventures.

Canton, NY (10/22/2025) — The road to a successful college experience might start on a trail for some SUNY Canton students.

SUNY Canton was included in SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.'s October 10 announcement launching "Outdoors for All," a program designed to promote inclusivity, sustainability, wellness and community development.

"With the launch of SUNY's Outdoors for All program, we are working to ensure that our students have access to inclusive, welcoming, and accessible outdoor spaces on- and off-campus," SUNY Chancellor King said. "Through this program, more students and New Yorkers of all ages will have access to hands-on and engaging experiences that will hopefully inspire a life-long love of nature and demonstrate that there is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, both indoors and outdoors."

Outdoors for All is the latest climate initiative announced by Chancellor King and supports the SUNY Climate and Sustainability Action Plan's commitment to engage students on sustainability issues, along with SUNY's diversity, equity, and inclusion pillar. Thirteen campus proposals will each receive an $8,000 grant award.

At SUNY Canton, the new funding will be used to make outdoor recreation accessible to all students by eliminating barriers such as cost, a lack of equipment, and transportation, according to Richard J. Thayer, Director of Student Affairs Technology, who will oversee the new initiative.

"The project supports student wellness, inclusion, and leadership development, aligning with the college's goals to expand outdoor-based programming and enhance campus spaces," Thayer said. "We are located on a 555-acre campus near the Adirondack Park. Our natural environment is one of our greatest and most defining assets."

Thayer said the funding will be used to create a gear library and fund introductory skills workshops, so students can safely and confidently explore nature without having to purchase equipment. The college plans to purchase snowshoes, daypacks, rain layers, trekking poles, and basic repair kits for future adventures, in addition to a new storage shed to house the new equipment.

"Our initiative addresses disparities in outdoor participation, particularly among first-generation students," Thayer said.

During the first phase, which launches during the spring semester, participants will focus on winter gear and safety equipment. Plans for future phases include incorporating items and supplies suitable for warm weather.

SUNY Canton has an active outdoor adventure club and a rock-climbing club. Resources purchased through Outdoors for All will also be available to these student-led organizations.

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

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Students kayak on the Grasse River behind SUNY Canton's campus during a fall semester outing. The college is expanding its open-air opportunities through SUNY's new “Outdoors for All,” program designed to promote inclusivity, sustainability, wellness and community development.

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