friLeadership: When Teens Discover They Can Change the World

Preparing Kids for a World We Don't Know Yet

 

The other day, while setting up our new friLeadership camp in Braunwald, we asked ourselves this question: how do you prepare young people for a world we don't even know yet? Because let's be honest, the world they'll grow up in will probably be very different from ours.

Then we quickly realized something: instead of trying to guess what 2040 will look like, why not give them the tools to adapt to any situation? That's exactly what we do with friLeadership, and I have to say, the approach is... refreshing.

 

No More Morning Classes (And Thank Goodness!)

 

First revolution: no traditional morning classes. Instead? Real challenges that actually resemble what they'll face in real life.

Take our Shark Tank Challenge. These kids have to create an idea, develop it as a team, then defend it in front of a panel. No safety net, no "right answer" in a textbook. Just their creativity, their ability to argue their case, and that little bit of courage needed to stand up and convince people.

What fascinates me is watching them learn to evaluate whether their ideas are actually doable. "OK, your flying shoes concept is brilliant, but practically speaking, where do you even start?" These are questions they'll be asking themselves their whole lives – might as well start now!

 

The Art of Speaking Without Shaking

 

Public speaking: adults' number one phobia, yet an essential skill in almost every job. At friLeadership, we don't give grand speeches about the importance of speaking up. We just dive right in.

Friday night's Talent Show isn't just a fun moment (though it definitely is!). It's mainly a chance for each participant to stand in front of a supportive audience and share something they care about. Whether it's a song, a skateboard demo, or even a passionate explanation about artificial intelligence.

The Unconference is even more powerful: participants choose their own discussion topics and run their own workshops. Imagine watching a 15-year-old calmly moderate a debate about ecology or explain coding basics to their peers. Those moments – they'll never forget them.

 

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Pushed)

 

One thing I love about Braunwald is how this environment naturally encourages trying new things. No usual social pressure, no "boxes" you feel obligated to fit into. Just the opportunity to explore other sides of your personality.

That shy kid who never speaks up in class? They might find themselves leading a team during Shark Tank. That perfectionist who's afraid of failure? She discovers that bombing her pitch isn't the end of the world, but a learning step.

The mountain setting helps enormously. There's something in Braunwald's air that breaks down inhibitions. Maybe because we're far from the usual judgments, maybe because everyone's in the same boat.

 

Teamwork: More Complicated Than It Seems

 

Ah, teamwork! We talk about it all the time, but who actually teaches it? At friLeadership, it's daily reality. From organizing meals (yes, they participate!) to Shark Tank projects, everything goes through collaboration.

And trust me, that's where you see real personalities emerge. How do you handle disagreements? How do you divide tasks according to everyone's strengths? How do you include the quiet kid without overwhelming the enthusiastic one?

These situations will come up in all their future projects, whether they become engineers, artists, or entrepreneurs. Better to learn how to navigate now, in a supportive environment.

 

Website Creation: Demystifying Tech

 

Our website creation workshops aren't aimed at training developers (though why not?). The idea is more about demystifying technology. When you understand how a website works, you're no longer passive in the digital world.

Plus, creating something with your own hands, seeing your idea take shape on a screen – that gives incredible confidence. "Wait, I can do that too?" That revelation can change everything.

 

Braunwald: The Perfect Setting to Grow

 

This car-free village in the heart of the Alps isn't chosen by accident. Far from usual distractions, participants focus on what matters: human relationships, self-discovery, learning through experience.

Excursions to Zurich, evenings by the fire, nights in mountain huts... everything contributes to creating that unique atmosphere where growing up becomes natural.

 

A Week That Leaves Its Mark

 

In the end, friLeadership isn't a vacation camp with fun activities. It's an experience that reveals sides of themselves that young people never suspected.

They leave with more than memories: new confidence in their ability to express themselves, lead projects, step out of their comfort zone. Skills that will serve them no matter what they decide to do later.

And us? We can't wait to see what this first generation of budding leaders will bring us. Because something tells me they're going to surprise us.

Want to try the adventure? Registration is open at frilingue.ch. But watch out – spots go fast!