Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy (OYEA) connects urban youth with nature. Many city kids lack access to outdoor skills, and OYEA provides that vital link.
Based in Indianapolis, OYEA’s mission is clear: it teaches environmental stewardship and imparts lasting outdoor recreation skills.
The academy believes urban youth are key environmental keepers.
Programs blend conservation with hands-on learning. Youth participate in community cleanups and learn to protect local waterways. Practical skills like fishing are core offerings. They also teach archery and air rifle target shooting.
These skills offer more than fun. They open doors to college scholarships. They provide pathways to Olympic sports. OYEA exposes youth to overlooked opportunities.
Career exploration is another focus. Youth learn about agriculture, agriscience and forestry. OYEA broadens professional horizons.
Founder Joe King, born in 1935, built this legacy. His early outdoor experiences shaped his vision. He co-founded the Dirty Dozen Fishing and Hunting Club in 1980, and by 1988, it evolved into OYEA.
King, a licensed archery instructor, saw youth potential early. His first youth archery team won a tournament. This success cemented the youth program, and OYEA grew from that foundation.
The impact is profound. Caring mentors provide one-on-one guidance. Youth gain invaluable life skills. They develop recreational expertise that lasts a lifetime. You can learn more by visiting oyeaindy.org.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
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