While most people were gearing up for fireworks, barbecues, and backyard parties this Fourth of July, one young teen had a different kind of celebration in mind.

The morning kicked off with light drizzles here and there, just enough to make most people think twice about heading outdoors. But for Nathaniel A., it was the perfect day to build something meaningful. With a lot of enthusiasm, he rolled up his sleeves at the Green Urban Space, part of the Urban Farming Institute in Oakland Park, Florida, and got to work on something special: a community picnic area.

Nathaniel didn’t take on the task alone. He had the perfect mentor by his side—Jeff Manchester, the Institute’s Senior Gardener & Facilitator. Jeff is the kind of mentor who turns every task into a life lesson, and this project was no different.

As they built the picnic set together, Jeff taught Nathaniel how to use a power drill like a pro, measure twice (and cut once!), secure everything with clamps, and most importantly, how to make confident decisions as they worked. It wasn’t just about screws and wood—it was about building confidence, patience, and pride in something that would bring joy to others.

By the end of the day, not only was the picnic area set up beautifully, but it stood as a symbol of what can happen when mentorship meets motivation.

At the American Preventive Health Organization, we believe in building healthier communities from the ground up, and stories from our own team members like Nathaniel’s show us that the next generation is already stepping up in powerful ways.

Who knew a rainy Fourth of July could turn into something so bright?

Check more about this fun day through photos at our Instagram Page @americanpreventivehealth