Our Mission

At Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy - OYEA!, our fundamental aim is to enlighten urban youth about their pivotal roles as keepers of our environment while imparting enduring outdoor recreational expertise. We take pride in organizing community cleanups that instill a sense of communal pride and advocate for safeguarding our urban waterways. Moreover, our initiatives encompass comprehensive training in fishing, archery, and target shooting with air rifles, disciplines often overlooked in urban settings but which hold the potential for college scholarships and participation in prestigious Olympic sporting events.

Recognizing the dearth of exposure to these outdoor pursuits among urban youth, OYEA! serves as a conduit to introduce them to these enriching activities. Beyond recreational aspects, we extend our outreach to familiarize young minds with traditional career pathways in agriculture, agriscience, and forestry, opening doors to diverse professional opportunities.

The profound impact of our programs manifests in the form of meaningful one-on-one interactions between caring mentors and youth, the impartation of invaluable life skills, and the cultivation of recreational expertise that will endure over the years. OYEA! stands as the pivotal “bridge” connecting urban communities with a multitude of outdoor activities, enriching lives, and shaping futures.