Blog Post 1: Critical Thinking in the Age of Uncertainty: A Sneak Peek into Dr. Robert Clyne’s Camp Sessions

At the heart of Dr. Robert Clyne's bespoke summer camp in Santa Clara, Cuba, lies a powerful, thought-provoking critical thinking session aimed at empowering teens to confront the world’s most pressing challenges. As our global systems show signs of strain, Dr. Clyne believes that the key to survival—both personal and societal—lies in fostering deep, reflective thought about our current trajectory.

The stakes have never been higher. In 1972, an MIT study predicted that by 2030, the global economy would stall, followed by a rapid breakdown of ecosystems and human society by around 2040 unless we changed the way we operate. But as Dr. Clyne points out, we didn’t change. The KPMG sustainability study even suggests that the situation is even worse than predicted.

Facing the Truth: How Do We Adapt?

So, what does all of this mean for today’s teens? In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and existential threats, a traditional approach to education—focused on rote memorization and a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum—just won’t cut it. Dr. Clyne’s camp is designed to go beyond conventional learning. It’s about empowering teens with the critical thinking skills necessary to understand the complex systems at play and to find their role in addressing the pressing issues of our time.

Throughout the summer camp, Dr. Clyne leads daily discussions and activities designed to spark deep reflection on topics like sustainability, societal collapse, and the future of our planet. The sessions range from Foucault’s exploration of power structures to the game theory of the Tragedy of the Commons, to theories of Incomplete Capitalism, and the empirical works of scholars like Jared Diamond and Joseph Tainter, who study the collapse of past civilizations.

Critical Thinking in Action: Class Highlights

In one of the camp's most engaging sessions, Dr. Clyne poses a challenging question: Can we really fix the issues we face, or are we already too far gone? It’s a question that leaves the teens in deep thought.

“How do we know we’re not just going to repeat the same mistakes again?” asks Victor, one of the campers.

The group dives into a discussion about the Tragedy of the Commons, exploring how individuals’ self-interest often leads to the destruction of shared resources. Dr. Clyne explains how this theory applies to everything from climate change to political corruption. The campers are intrigued but also challenged.

“If the problem is that everyone’s selfish, then what’s the solution? Should we all just live in a commune?” Muxi wonders aloud.

“Not quite,” Dr. Clyne chuckles. “But it’s about understanding the balance between individual rights and collective responsibility. It’s about the choices you make today to shape a better tomorrow.”

And while these sessions are intellectually demanding, there are lighter moments. In one class, Dr. Clyne introduces the concept of Incomplete Capitalism, and 16-year-old Laura has an epiphany: “Wait, so if you can make a lot of money without actually doing anything, does that mean I'm just living in a really big video game?!” The group bursts out laughing, but the underlying point sticks—understanding the economic systems that shape our world is crucial to navigating the future.

Why This Matters: A Rite of Passage

At its core, Dr. Clyne’s camp is about more than just reading complex theories. It’s about giving young people a sense of agency in a world that often seems beyond their control. In an era where traditional rites of passage have been lost, this camp offers something far more valuable: a chance to confront hard truths about the world and to rise to the occasion.

“Most teens don’t get the chance to test their character in a meaningful way anymore,” Dr. Clyne explains. “Without that kind of real-world challenge, they end up with fantasy-based identities and learn to solve problems with the same approach they use in video games—quick, easy fixes that don’t prepare them for the complexity of life.”

This is precisely why the camp’s critical thinking sessions are not just intellectual exercises—they’re about survival. By engaging with real-world issues, teens leave the camp with a deeper understanding of themselves, their role in society, and the tools to navigate an uncertain future.

A Call to Action: Time Is Running Out

As Dr. Clyne often says, we are facing a crossroads. The predictions of the past few decades about our environmental and societal collapse are no longer theoretical. The challenges are real and urgent. This summer, teens have an unprecedented opportunity to step up, learn from the past, and become part of the solution for the future.

So, if you’re a parent or guardian who wants to give your child the tools to thrive in an unpredictable world, this camp is for them. It’s more than just a summer adventure—it’s a rite of passage that will shape their future.

Don’t let them miss this chance to learn, grow, and be challenged in one of the most beautiful, thought-provoking environments possible: Santa Clara, Cuba.