SUNY Canton Outdoors for All

Get outside. We’ll help with the rest.

Outdoors for All helps the SUNY Canton community experience the outdoors in ways that match their interests, abilities, and experience. Programs are open to everyone, from someone trying an outdoor activity for the first time to experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to build skills or try something new.

That might mean nature photography, astronomy, nature writing, birding, a relaxed walk, hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, or something entirely different.

You do not need to consider yourself athletic, adventurous, or “outdoorsy” to participate. Event listings explain the experience level, pace, physical demands, and what equipment is provided.

Two SUNY Canton students paddling a blue kayak on the Grasse River.
Quiet observation or a challenging adventure. First-timer or experienced explorer. There is a place for you.

Start where you are

Three ways to take part

Borrow equipment, build your skills, or join an experience that matches your interests and comfort level.

Borrow gear

Use shared equipment for a program, class, club activity, or approved personal outing.

Learn or strengthen skills

Learn the basics, refresh existing skills, or build confidence for more advanced outdoor experiences.

Join an experience

Participate in creative, educational, reflective, social, or active programs with the campus community.

View Outdoors for All programs on RooLife →

Gear library

Borrow what you need to get started

SUNY Canton students can request outdoor equipment instead of purchasing everything themselves. Some activities require specialized equipment, while others require little more than curiosity and an interest in being outside.

Hiking and camping
Winter recreation
Canoeing and kayaking
Navigation and field tools

Find us around campus

Visit the Outdoors for All Gear Trailer

Our mobile Gear Trailer travels to programs, campus events, and seasonal pop-up locations. Stop by to see equipment, ask questions, learn about upcoming activities, and get help selecting gear.

Before you borrow

Gear library expectations

Who may request gear?

Gear is intended for currently enrolled SUNY Canton students, including requests connected with recognized student organizations.

Requests are not guaranteed

Equipment is provided based on availability, the activity, and any training or safety requirements.

Pickup and return

Approved requests will include a pickup location, return date, and instructions for the borrowed equipment.

Care for shared equipment

Borrowers are expected to follow instructions and promptly report damage, missing items, or equipment concerns.

Some equipment or activities may require additional training, a waiver, or other safety information before gear can be released.

Why Outdoors for All

The outdoors should not feel out of reach

Outdoors for All provides equipment, instruction, programs, and support so every member of the campus community can find a meaningful way to connect with the outdoors.

Access

Reduce barriers caused by cost, equipment, transportation, or limited experience.

Choice

Offer creative, educational, reflective, social, and active ways to experience the outdoors.

Growth

Support first experiences, growing confidence, and continued development for advanced participants.

Stewardship

Encourage responsible recreation and care for the outdoor spaces we share.

Explore nearby

Explore the North Country

Find nearby places for walking, observing nature, paddling, fishing, swimming, photography, and other outdoor interests.

Trails Find regional trails Search by activity, distance, location, and difficulty. Paddling Explore waterways Browse mapped canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Fishing Plan a fishing trip Find waterways, licensing information, and seasonal resources. Swimming Find local beaches Explore public swimming areas and warm-weather destinations.

Accessibility and accommodations

We want you to be able to participate

Outdoors for All makes every effort to create welcoming and accessible programs. We recognize that access needs are different for each person and may relate to mobility, sensory needs, communication, transportation, equipment, the pace of an activity, or other parts of the experience.

Contact us before registering, or at any point while planning to participate, to talk about how we may be able to make a program more accessible to you. We can discuss route conditions, physical demands, available equipment, sizing, transportation, program modifications, and other possible accommodations.

You do not need to know exactly what accommodation to request. Reach out, tell us what would help you participate, and we will work with you to explore available options.

Connect with Outdoors for All

Have an idea for a program?

We welcome ideas for outdoor programs of every kind, including creative, educational, recreational, reflective, wellness-focused, and skill-based experiences.

Students, employees, departments, and student organizations can contact us about partnerships, workshops, guided activities, Gear Trailer visits, or equipment requests.

Outdoors for All
R.J. Thayer
Miller Campus Center, Room 134
34 Cornell Drive
Canton, NY 13617
outdoors@canton.edu