I’ll tell you all about it, starting from the very beginning!

I grew up in the place where I spent my childhood, somewhere in northern Germany. There were eight of us children, so ten in all including our parents. Born the youngest son into a family of tradespeople (my father was self-employed and had trained as a joiner), we lived close to the woods. We children were allowed to explore that very wood, searching for blueberries, blackberries and mushrooms. As a child, I grew up next to that wood and a nearby moor, and so I got to know nature through many walks and games. Our games involved damming up the water in the streams, digging underground castles, climbing tall trees or making slingshots. Wonderful experiences!

Alongside the joy of the woods came the more unpleasant aspects of life, for which I am, in part, still grateful today. Whether it was growing vegetables in my mother’s huge garden or helping out on my father’s company. Through helping out and trying things out, I unwittingly learnt how seeds in the garden turn into something that eventually ends up as food on the table. Or why it can be really painful to hit your fingers with a hammer instead of the nail. Playing in the woods, however – no surprise there – was definitely more my thing. Later, during my time as a Scout, I was able to get much closer to nature. Whether it was hiking, camp life, learning to use a compass, map-reading, introducing children to nature as a leader, or the discussions we had – these were experiences that shaped me.

After completing my vocational training as a mechanical engineer, I went on to study engineering. Was that really the right path for me, or were there other horizons to explore? Two years later, I decided to follow a path that, including my training, I would pursue for a total of 33 years as a vocational college teacher. Ten years into the job, I became responsible for the school’s international activities, amongst other areas. It was an incredibly enriching life experience, and I forged connections that still endure today. And now, having completed a coaching qualification and various further training courses on life-changing topics, I’d like – following my early retirement from teaching – to share this space with others. I want to learn and give something back myself. From a great job into self-employment. A real adventure!

And what else do I get up to?

I have two wonderful children and a dog. All three of them, like me, love being close to nature. I also generally enjoy being active (kayaking, running, cycling, climbing). In recent years, this has particularly involved hiking on the Spanish Way of St James, in the Pyrenees, the Camino del Natural de Ebro and a long hike in Northern Ireland and Scotland, mostly camping. Because the idea of experiencing nature has always held a special place in my heart. I also love music and really enjoy singing.

Sustainability is another constant theme in my life. But how can I make a difference? Which aspects do I consider important?

That’s how the idea for Camino Footsteps came about!

Learning together, making connections and being open to new experiences.