Joe King, the visionary behind Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy - OYEA!, was born in 1935 in Indianapolis. Raised in a hardworking household, with his mom juggling two jobs and his grandmother managing the home, Joe’s early life was shaped by strong family bonds and a spirit of adventure. Though his father lived in Detroit, Joe found male role models and a passion for the outdoors in his cousins, who introduced him to fishing at a tender age.

Joe’s love for the outdoors flourished as he took on the task of gathering bait, learning to hunt frogs, and eventually hunting at the Crystal De Hann estate with Richard Crowe. A pivotal moment came when a family friend, who annually hunted in Canada, invited Joe on a trip, sparking his enthusiasm for game hunting. Joe’s circle grew to include Bill Burris, with whom he brainstormed the idea of forming a club dedicated to their shared interests.

In 1980, Joe’s dream materialized as he and Bill Burris and carpenter John Wood established the Dirty Dozen Fishing and Hunting Club, inspired by the era’s popular movie. Joe's basement served as the club's initial gathering spot, and they decided to meet on the first Sunday of every month. Their adventures expanded to include pheasant hunting on Thanksgiving and fishing trips across Canada and the US.

Recognizing the need to fund their activities, they purchased their own building in August 1983. Around this time, Joe’s interests expanded to archery. He became a licensed archery instructor and was soon approached by the State of Indiana to introduce archery in schools. His efforts bore fruit when a team he formed won their first archery tournament, leading Joe to create a youth division within the club.

Originally named the Youth Outdoor Exploration Group, it evolved into the Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy, or OYEA!, in 1988, aligning perfectly with its mission to foster outdoor skills and enthusiasm among the youth.

Joe’s influence extends beyond OYEA! He serves on several boards and has forged numerous connections through the club, continuing to inspire and grow the community he started decades ago.

OYEA! is a testament to Joe King’s dedication and passion for the outdoors, nurturing a legacy that encourages exploration, learning, and connection with nature.