The American Preventive Health Organization (APHO), a nonprofit committed to promoting sustainable, health-centered education, is proud to launch a new initiative: “Seeds of Change” – A Five-Day Environmental Leadership and Training Camp for middle and high school students.

This immersive program, will be developed and held for the first time inthe last week of June. It is is a free educational experience for up to 15-20 teens at a time. It focuses on environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and safe agricultural practices. The program is designed to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders through expert-led instruction, hands-on learning, and real-world application.

We are actively seeking corporate partners who are passionate about youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and education. Contributions can be financial or in the form of products, services, or materials that can be used in our training. Financial contributions will not only hep the first training; but also, help us develop the portal where all the material will be featured online to all future training programs.

Program Goals

Educate teens on climate change, pollution, renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation, and urban farming.
Empower students with practical skills to live sustainably and inspire change in their communities.
Engage youth through interactive lectures, group activities, environmental projects, and fieldwork.
Establish a lasting impact through a recurring twice-a-year paid camp model following this pilot cohort.

Why Support This Program?

By partnering with us, your organization will:

Make a direct impact on the lives of 20 diverse and motivated youth.
Be recognized as a supporter of environmental education and youth empowerment.
Align your brand with sustainability, health, and community leadership.
Help launch a long-term initiative that will grow into an ongoing training opportunity with greater reach, and collaborating with schools and educational/youth groups in SoFlo area.

Program Details

Dates: Last week of June (Monday–Friday)
Location: Urban Farming Institute – On-site classroom & farm fieldwork in collaboration with the City of Oakland Park
Participants: 15- 20 students (middle and high school)
Facilitators: College students, recent graduates, and university professors
Content: Daily topics covering environmental science, sustainable living, green solutions, and agriculture safety. Check below for more details.
Format: Classroom instruction, hands-on projects, outdoor farming activities, daily meals, a field trip.

Program Content: Courses and Topics

Our “Seeds of Change” Environmental Leadership Camp will engage teens in hands-on learning and provide them with the tools to become future environmental stewards. The curriculum will cover a variety of crucial topics, including:

• Urban Trees: Understanding the role of trees in urban environments and how they contribute to cleaner air and improved quality of life.
• Reforestation: Impact on Climate: Exploring the critical role forests play in mitigating climate change and the science behind reforestation efforts.
• Population Management: Studying how human populations impact resources and ecosystems, and strategies for sustainable population management.
• The Importance of Biological Interactions: Delving into the delicate balance between species in ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.
• Biomimicry: Water Security Inspired by Nature: Learning from nature’s design to create sustainable, eco-friendly water management solutions.
• Where’s the Beach? Investigating Coastline Erosion Protection: Analyzing the causes and effects of coastline erosion, and discovering innovative ways to protect these critical habitats.
• Symphony of the Rainforest: How Sounds Can Help Measure Biodiversity: Understanding how soundscapes can provide insight into ecosystem health and biodiversity in tropical forests.
• Fighting Fire with Fire: Can Fire Positively Impact an Ecosystem?: Investigating the concept of controlled burns and their positive impact on some ecosystems and plant species.
• Gray, Green, Blue: Water Security and YOU!: Exploring the importance of water security and how individuals can help conserve and protect water resources.
• Seeing the Wood for the Trees: Introduction to Sustainable Forestry: Learning about sustainable forestry practices and how responsible tree management supports environmental health.

These courses will be taught through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, fieldwork, and group projects. Students will also engage in practical exercises like working with the Urban Farming Institute, where they’ll experience firsthand sustainable farming practices and environmental fieldwork.