Support me in accompanying young people and adults in challenging life situations to the mountains and enabling them to develop self-awareness and positive relationship experiences.
I started this project because I want to accompany young people and adults in difficult life situations to the mountains so that they can strengthen their self-awareness and deal with issues such as trust and fear. I am motivated by the conviction that experiences in the alpine environment can strengthen not only physically but also mentally and bring about social change. I am Benjamin Henauer, a dedicated youth worker in training and outdoor specialist with a diverse background. My professional career includes working as a class teacher for young people with behavioral issues, a sales consultant and event organizer in the outdoor sector, and management positions in the hotel industry. My strengths are strong social skills, curiosity, and fairness, complemented by a deep passion for mountain sports and social education projects.
Since 2018, I have been preparing step by step for mountain guide training and studying social work part-time at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The «Obsi mitm Sozi» project took shape during my several years as a teacher at a special elementary school. During bouldering lessons in physical education, I saw how young people surpassed themselves and redefined their limits. As a J&S leader for mountaineering and ski touring, as well as a ski instructor and tour guide, I was able to gain valuable experience with children, young people, and adults. This convinced me that alpine experiences have a positive effect on people in every situation in life.
Summit break on Diechterhorn. 
Together with Nicole on Gross Fusshorn. 
On the northeast face of the Lenzspitze. 
On the connecting ridge between Täschhorn and Dom. The cold is written all over my face. 
In the Engelhörner. 
Together with Marco the day before climbing the Finsteraarhorn, my first 4000er.
Social change through mountain sports and social work
People who have had difficult relationship experiences repeatedly test boundaries. Boundaries that were often violated in childhood by parents or caregivers. Far too often, this ends in coercive contexts or even in prison. There they experience absolute security—at a high price: their freedom. I want to do something about this. I combine two worlds: social work and mountain sports. Through experiential education and coaching in the mountains, I want to show new ways of supporting people in crisis – whether as part of a break, a systemic time-out, or a preventive intervention. The mountains offer ideal conditions: physical activity, experiencing nature, and direct responsibility for oneself and others. These elements promote trust, self-awareness, and stability—key factors for lasting change. This also corresponds to the job description of social work: «The social work profession promotes social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their well-being.» (Avenir Social, 2014)
My approach is aimed at young people who challenge the system, as well as adults who are looking for new perspectives and inner clarity.
An inspiring example can be seen in the SRF report about young people from Geneva who climbed Mont Blanc after only nine months of training. M. Schönmann’s master’s thesis also shows how mountain sports can support children with ADHD in particular as a socio-educational intervention. (Links at the bottom).
Out and about with people in challenging life situations. Both reached their limits that day. But in the end, it wasn't the summit that counted, but what they had achieved. 
Together with Larissa in the Avers valley on a freezing morning. 
People of different ages and with different experiences. Challenging situation. 
Relationship work on the mountain :) Here with Patrick on Piz Palü. 
In moments like these, trust is essential. Here with Alain on the Mitteleggigrat ridge on the Eiger. 
Fear is a feeling that many people meet in their lifes. 
After skiing the north face of Cima di Rosso with Shaun. This experience shaped our friendship.
Safety and competence: My mountain guide training needs your support
Hikes and tours with a difficulty level of T3 or higher are subject to the Swiss Risk Sports Act. Only qualified mountain guides are permitted to conduct these activities. In order to perform my work competently and legally at all times, I need to complete my mountain guide training in addition to my social work studies. Over the past seven years, I have invested a lot of time and money in training, education, and gaining experience. I have stayed in countless huts and used a lot of equipment. I have spent over 420 days on the road, either on rock, ice, or snow. I need your support to finance my mountain guide training and realize my project «Obsi mitm Sozi.» I want to empower people to develop sustainable coping strategies and reach their full potential. With your contribution, you are not only enabling me to complete my training, but also investing in a project that strengthens people: you are helping to combine mountain sports and social work – and making it possible for people in challenging life situations to find new paths – on the mountain and in life. Thank you for your support!
Below you will find an overview of the costs of mountain guide training:
Module Costs
Entrance evaluation 850
Medicine 800
Avalanches/skiing 3700
Steep ice 1100
Winter I 4300
Sport climbing 1750
Summer I Part I 3700
Summer I Part II 3100
Leadership 690
Marketing & Business Management 690
Nature and Environment 900
Winter II 4200
Summer II 4250
Final exam 950
Total 30980
Additional costs:
First Aid Level 1 IVR 270
Registration fee 250
Additional module Canyoning 2250
There are also costs for materials, transportation, meals, and training days.
This is my favorite way to end my days in the mountains. Here after a ski tour with Michelle. She preferred photography to swimming. 
In my favourite region in Switzerland, the Avers valley.