EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH OUTDOOR & SPORTING EXPERIENCES
ABOUT US
Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy (O YEA!) has been mentoring youth to develop life and leadership skills for over 20 years in Indianapolis. We do this by providing outdoor and sporting experiences, including fishing and archery with a focus on engaging urban youth. We provide the opportunity for young people to be outside in nature, creating environmental awareness, learning about water conservation and creating a safe space for health and healing.
ARCHERY
We have over a dozen fully-qualified and vetted archery instructors that provide lessons to youth and adults from beginning skills to more advanced skills in bow hunting and bow fishing. Introductory workshops take place at parks, schools and community centers around Indianapolis and advanced lessons are conducted at our clubhouse at 39th and Keystone. We provide all the equipment needed during workshops.
FISHING
Our fishing programs are for youth who want to learn to fish. It consists of two lessons held at our clubhouse followed by a group fishing trip. Trips are generally to a nearby private lake where kids practice their skills and build relationships with each other and mentors. They last almost a full day. Transportation from the club to the selected site is provided along with lunch and equipment. Every year we also host Fathers and Mothers Day fishing trips.
WATER CONSERVATION
Every year we host the Carlos Castro Fall Creek Clean Up. on the last Saturday in March. The clean up is in honor of Carlos Castro who was a member of O YEA! who was tragically killed during a robbery in October 2017. Additionally, lessons in water conservation and environmental stewardship are interwoven through all of our outdoor programming.
GET INVOLVED
PARENTS & YOUTH
Our clubhouse is open by appointment only so please call (317) 541-0271 and leave a message. We will return your call to discuss opportunities to enroll in upcoming programs. You can also email us at [email protected]. All volunteers and instructors are thoroughly vetted, trained and have completed background checks. Our goal is to have 5 or fewer youth participants per adult mentor at all of our programs.
SCHOOLS, PARKS & COMMUNITY CENTERS
If you are interested in hosting an archery program at your school, park or community center please call (317) 541-0271 and leave a message. We will return your call to discuss opportunities to enroll in upcoming programs. You can also email us at [email protected]. All volunteers and instructors are thoroughly vetted, trained and have completed background checks. Our goal is to have 5 or fewer youth participants per adult mentor at all of our programs.
UPCOMING TRIPS & EVENTS
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
DIRTY DOZEN HUNTING AND FISHING CLUB
CONTACT US
Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy
2415 E. 39th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205
HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
(317) 541-0271