Meet Robert “Bob” Atwater, a Class of 1961 Eagle Scout, early NESA Life member, and a real-life Indiana Jones who has spent the past six decades exploring the world in search of adventure and discovery. Inspired by the adventures of World Explorer Club’s Roy Chapman Andrews, the true inspiration behind Indiana Jones, Bob embarked on a lifelong journey fueled by a passion for the great outdoors.
His exploration journey began with Scouting and Exploring, earning him the prestigious Eagle Scout and Explorer Silver awards. This laid the foundation for a remarkable career that took him through the US Marines, law enforcement, and quests for answers to both ancient mysteries and modern health problems.
Bob’s love for adventure and scouting not only connected him with the great outdoors but also with Kings, Queens, and royalty around the globe. His quests have taken him on horseback through the mountains of Mongolia for medical solutions, on camels into the Gobi Desert for paleontology and archaeology research, on elephants in the outreaches of Bhutan, and sailing across the Pacific Ocean to trace the prevailing winds of the old world. Just to name a few!
Bob has been part of 60 Explorers Club explorations, uncovering mysteries in the Yucatan, Belize, India, Colombia, Sahara Desert, Sudan, the Great Sand Sea, and 138 countries, making appearances on shows like “What’s Out There” and others. And he’s not finished yet, with several more explorations on the horizon. Yes, he even takes his trusty fedora, leather jacket, and journal with him on these amazing adventures!
His adventures have led him to the homes of literary giants Jules Verne and Rudyard Kipling. In 2005, Bob pioneered Eagles and The Explorer Club, working alongside former NESA President Steve Fawcett to provide NESA Life members with exclusive access to the club.
Bob’s exceptional contributions have earned him the rare Sweeney Medal in the Explorers Club for his service, flag explorations, and VIP recognition, rubbing shoulders with legends like Steve Fawcett, Josh Gates, and Jeff Bezos. He served as the VP of the Flag of Honors and held the VP position for nine consecutive years. Bob’s achievements and contributions could fill a book about his extraordinary life.
In 2018, he was honored with the Roy Chapman Andrews Centennial Expedition Medalist for a lifetime of achievements and expanding horizons. Learn more about the Explorers Club here.
When Bob isn’t circling the globe, you can find him either mentoring Scouts or in his world-class first-edition library, housing over 2,000 letters from US Presidents, reminiscent of those found in the National Treasure Book of Secrets.
