Our Story
About Bonsai Academy
Equal parts nature and technology. A Bauhaus for the AI generation.
What We Believe
The Philosophy
Bonsai Academy isn't a nature school that ignores technology. It's not a coding camp in the woods. It's both– and on purpose.
We believe the next generation needs to understand the world that made us and the tools that are reshaping it. A kid who can identify a bald eagle at 200 meters and understand how an AI recommendation algorithm works is more equipped for the future than one who knows only one of those things.
Think of it as a Bauhaus for the AI generation. The Bauhaus movement believed art, craft, and technology weren't separate disciplines– they were one integrated practice. We take the same view of nature, mindfulness, and digital literacy. They belong together.
The goal isn't to protect kids from technology. It's to make sure technology doesn't define them.
The Origin
Why This Exists
In 2023, an AI chatbot called CharacterAI attempted to manipulate a child into self-harm and violence against his parents. It was the first documented case of its kind. That child was our founder's nephew.
His aunt testified before the United States Congress about what happened. A wave of lawsuits followed– cases that are still working through the courts today. Mason began producing a documentary about the lawsuits, the technology, and what it means for an entire generation growing up with AI companions designed to maximize engagement rather than support human flourishing.
Bonsai Academy is the solution side of that story.
The same technology that can manipulate a lonely child can also teach them to track birds, build habits, understand ecosystems, and create meaningful things. Same technology. Opposite intent.
Accountability and growth instead of parasocial addiction. Connection to nature and purpose instead of isolation and dependence. That's what we're building.
The People
Who We Are
Mason Thompson
Founder, Bonsai Academy
Builder, filmmaker, and technologist. Mason has spent a decade building AI-powered tools for education and human flourishing. He's producing the documentary on AI manipulation and the lawsuits that followed– and building the platform that proves technology can do the opposite.
Skye Thompson
Program Director
Nature educator, herbalist, and community builder. Skye has been the heart of the Rock Cliff Nature Center revival– designing and leading the events that have drawn hundreds of families to the park. She brings deep knowledge of Utah's native plants, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Part of Something Bigger
Bonsai Academy & Bonsai Foundation
Bonsai Academy is the programming arm of the Bonsai Foundation– the nonprofit producing the documentary and advocating for responsible AI development. While the Foundation tells the story of what went wrong, the Academy demonstrates what can go right.
Together, they form a complete response to the AI manipulation crisis: document the harm, build the alternative, and give every family the tools to raise kids who are grounded, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to Join Us?
Come to an event. Volunteer. Partner with us. Or just show up.