People

Founded in 2011, Bow Seat is the world's largest environmental youth program for the creative arts. We provide an innovative space for youth to connect, create, and communicate for our blue planet. Working at the intersection of ocean science and arts education, our award-winning Ocean Awareness Contest emphasizes creative thinking and making in exploring the natural world. Through art exhibitions, publications, and scholarships, Bow Seat uplifts diverse youth voices to advance dialogue and participation in environmental conservation. We empower young thinkers and creators to be active and empathetic global citizens, starting in their local communities and watersheds.

 

I'm a passionate early childhood educator who believes in the power of nature to inspire curiosity, resilience, and joy. I weave outdoor exploration and sensory-rich experiences into our daily rhythm, whether we’re investigating puddles, building leaf shelters, or painting with natural materials. My teaching is rooted in play, wonder, and respect for the natural world, helping children feel grounded and engaged while building key developmental skills. Every moment in nature is a chance to grow—and I aim to make those moments magical.

Nayiri Haroutunian is Program Director at EarthGen, an environmental education nonprofit. She creates programs and develops curricula to help support students to take environmental action in their school communities. She has a MS in Natural Resources & Environment from Michigan.

I teach environmental science at Bluffton Unviersity and I manage the Bluffton University Nature Preserve.

I am a teacher with a strong belief in environmental education.  We take students camping at least twice each school year, and we have begun to travel to different national parks to allow our students opportunities to explore well beyond their backyards.