Inside The Explorers Club

The Explorers Club is an organization dedicated to adventurers and explorers from around the globe. Today, the Huffington Post gives us an inside look at the club in both this article and the video posted below. The EC is usually closed to non-members –and membership is exclusive– so this may be your one and only chance to see what the place is like. I know I'm still waiting on my invite to visit!

The Explorers Club and Eddie Bauer Offer Expedition Grants

The Explorers Club and Eddie Bauer are joining forces to offer adventurers an opportunity to get their expeditions funded. Applications are now being accepted for two Explorers Club-Eddie Bauer Grants, each of which offer $25,000 to worth recipients.

The first grant is the The Explorers Club - Eddie Bauer Youth Grant, which will be given to one or more eligible applicants (valid student I.D. required) for work in climate change, preservation and sustainability, consistent with the mission of The Explorers Club. Applicants must display a history of field research or academic study in one of these areas, although they do not need to have an advance degree. The $25,000 award could be divided amongst up to three projects if the grant board finds them worthy.

The second grant is The Explorers Club - Eddie Bauer Grant for Expeditions, which is to be used to fund one or more eligible expeditions relating to climate change, preservation and sustainability, consistent with the mission of The Explorers Club. The goal of this grant is to "support field research activities around the world in keeping with the mission of The Explorers Club and the untamable spirit of adventure, core to the Eddie Bauer brand." This one is more open in terms of who can apply, although the focus should be on environmental research or sustainability in some way.

You can find out more about these grants, and how to apply, by clicking here. Winners will be notified by November 30th of this year and will receive their awards at the Explorers Club annual dinner to be held in March of 2012.

Nat Geo Interviews Explorers Club President Lorie Karnath

This Saturday is the annual Explorers Club Dinner in New York City, which is expected to be attended by hundreds of explorers, adventurers, and scientists who are on the cutting edge of exploration around the globe. Before that event takes place however, National Geographic Adventure had a chance to interview EC President Lorie Karnath, and posted the Q&A on their blog.

In the interview, Karnath briefly talks about  the role explorers play in world events such as the unfolding disaster in Japan, before moving on to the theme of this year's club dinner. That theme is "Maya Prophecy" which extends well beyond the dire predications for 2012. The interview moves on to discuss modern day exploration and how important it is for us in the 21st century. That's just the tip of the iceberg, as Lorie talks about a host of other great topics as well, including her next expedition to a remote part of China.

I've read several interviews with Karnath, and she never fails to impress. She is smart, well read, and very informed of what is going on in the world of exploration and adventure. This particular interview serves as a bit of a "State of Exploration" address, and is definitely worth the read.