Jeff Blumenfeld is an author, explorer, and adventure travel expert with a lifelong passion for discovering the world's most remote and breathtaking locations. He is the author of "Get Sponsored: A Funding Guide for Explorers, Adventurers, and Would-Be World Travelers" and "Travel with Purpose: A Field Guide to Voluntourism," books that reflect his deep understanding of securing expedition funding and meaningful travel experiences.
While studying public communications at Syracuse University, he began a career in public relations, specializing in outdoor sports and adventure marketing. In 1980, he founded Blumenfeld & Associates, working with renowned brands like Coleman, Eddie Bauer, Lands' End, and Virgin Atlantic.
His travels have taken him across the globe—from exploring Iceland's raw beauty to braving the elements in Antarctica, where he led students on educational expeditions with Students on Ice. Jeff is a Fellow of both The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society, prestigious organizations dedicated to the advancement of exploration and research. As Chairman of The Explorers Club's Rocky Mountain Chapter, he continues to foster a spirit of adventure and education.
Jeff's passion extends to humanitarian efforts. As Communications Director for the Dooley Intermed Foundation, he has played a pivotal role in organizing medical missions in Nepal, helping to restore sight to hundreds of individuals through the "Gift of Sight" expeditions. His commitment to voluntourism and responsible travel is a key theme in his work and writing.
An avid skier, kayaker, and outdoor enthusiast, Jeff has documented over 900 ski days since 1972 and continues to seek new adventures. His experiences have taken him to some of the world's most challenging landscapes, including the Arctic, Andes, and Himalayas. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he shares his knowledge of adventure marketing and exploration.
Jeff believes that travel should be more than just sightseeing—it should be purposeful and transformative. His extensive career and personal experiences have solidified his reputation as a leading voice in adventure travel and voluntourism, inspiring others to explore the world while making a meaningful impact.
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This collection includes news articles, press releases, corporate sponsorship and public relations campaign materials, and educational materials related to three polar expeditions in 1986, 1990, and 1995.
No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Jeff Blumenfeld papers must be obtained from the
These materials were donated to USU Special Collections in 2024 by Jeff Blumenfeld.
Rusted metal fasteners removed and photocopies made of fax/thermal papers.
These materials are grouped into series by expedition: the Steger North Pole Expedition (1986); the Trans-Antarctica Expedition (1989-1990); the International Artic Project (1995).
Polar capsule search sponsored by DuPont. Capsule was left at the North Pole in 1986, found in Ireland in 1989.
Used by the public to track the 1990 expedition