Beautiful Futures Lab: Summer Groundswell (for young adults ages 17-22)

Eight weeks on Cape Cod and the Islands. Mornings on the water learning to sail, row, and work with aquaculture. Afternoons in the field exploring bogs, forests, and salt marshes. Evenings around the fire cooking what you caught and discussing ideas you haven't encountered before.

This isn't environmental education. It's identity formation through direct encounter with living systems. Develop the ecological skills—maritime competence, naturalist observation, place-based perception—that matter for leading in a transformed world.

Summer 2026 | 8 Weeks | $4,000 Applications open January 2026

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"Blundell's view of creativity and ecology as inseparable made me start to see them as one. This made me realize how disconnected I am from the natural world and how important it is to think about my existence in a more interconnected way." — Jenna, 19

"At first, I felt resistant. but as I sat with the material, I started to feel inspired. It's a process of unlearning, which is uncomfortable but necessary." — Taylor, 20

"Blundell's point that creativity has and always will be the driving force of all life, and that humans are both the products and participants of this creativity—I never thought of life in the science of creativity. Now it makes sense." — Devon, 21

"I was especially moved by Rich Blundell's idea that creativity and ecology are deeply connected. It made me feel empowered, like my own creativity can actually be a part of a bigger ecological story." — Sam, 20

"Our projects don't solely have to show climate problems—they can also be about remembering our bond with the planet and sparking that in others." — Kai, 22

Principle Investigator: Dr. Rich Blundell

Oika Research and The Beautiful Futures Lab is founded by Dr. Rich Blundell based on his life spanning ecological fieldwork, cosmological research, and the communication of complex neurophenomenological insights. As a “systems whisperer,” Dr. Blundell has developed the capacity to read emerging patterns across scales and substrates and respond with insights that integrate nature’s wisdom. His life's work is to enlist Oika in the generation of novel value-meaning matrices, and to translate ecological intelligence into strategic narratives for expanding project reach, institutional resilience and systemic health.

As economic incentives collide with ecological imperatives, Dr. Blundell believes that leaders and organizations that engage the principles of Oika will cultivate the systemic awareness to navigate change, transform challenge into innovation, and create a beautiful future.

"Blundell's 'Earthling Theory' presented a comforting, revolutionary idea that humans act with—not upon—the Earth. This week left me humbled, slightly dizzy in the best way, and eager to explore our profound, interconnected existence." — Alex, 21

"Are we separate from nature, or part of it? That question changed everything for me." — Jordan, 21

"Kolbert shows how humans have always impacted the earth in destructive ways, while Blundell talks about humans as part of a larger ecological story, evolving WITH the earth, not just acting on it. That contrast made me stop and think—maybe the real issue isn't just what we do, but how we see ourselves in relation to the world." — Marcus, 22

Beautiful Futures Lab: Summer Groundswell (for young adults ages 17-22)

A sample of Oika Content

Oika Research Documentation

Principle Investigator: Dr. Rich Blundell

Beautiful Futures Lab Affiliates

Oika Research is proud to have affiliations at the following: