Volunteers Day 2025

As the seasons shift and the air turns sharper, we find ourselves in that reflective moment when the days grow shorter, the mornings slower to wake, and the evenings all too eager to arrive. It is in this twilight of the year, when deadlines still loom and projects demand precision, that we must remember the value of pause—of gathering together not merely as professionals, but as human beings. And what better way to rekindle warmth, both literal and metaphorical, than with the rich comfort of chocolate and the joy of shared connection?

We invite you to begin the day in the most indulgent and surprising way: stepping into the art of chocolate-making. Here, amidst the fragrance of cocoa and the rhythm of craft, you will discover a different kind of lesson. Not a Gantt chart, not a stakeholder map, but a sensory reminder that mastery and creativity thrive where curiosity meets discipline. Once your hands have shaped sweetness and your senses have been awakened to a memory that lingers far beyond the palate, the stage will be set for deeper work.

From this moment of delight, we will return to the historic beauty of Fribourg for a lunch designed to nourish both body and conversation. And then, the heart of the day awaits: a seminar and workshop dedicated to one of the most critical skills a project leader can cultivate—emotional intelligence, coupled with the art of conflict resolution. In the hands of a neuroscientist, no less, you will be guided through the inner workings of the human mind and its impact on collaboration, negotiation, and leadership.

Program

09:30 Meet at Maison Cailler, the famous chocolate factory in Rue Jules Bellet 7 - CH 1636 Broc

09:45 We will be guided through the making of chocolate by the local experts

11:15 The factory will be open for a guided tour and the risky purchase of treats for your friends and families

12:30 The pack travels as one in the train to beautiful Fribourg

13:45  We enjoy a lovely lunch nearby the Cathedral in the Hotel de la Rose, Rue de Morat 1, 1700 Fribourg

15:00  We close the day with a practical workshop on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, courtesy of our very own Despoina Demenega

17:00  and on you may stay and crawl the town for its gorgeous architecture and delicious food, or you may take a well deserved break and go home.

Logistics

Travel costs will be reimbursed. For simplicity of travel, take an SBB day pass and join us on the train. The sooner you purchase it, the more secret gifts can be imparted.

Trains to Broc Chocolaterie run every 30mns from Fribourg at XX:02 and XX:32, which stop in Romont and Bulle if that is more convenient.

There is a also bus every hour from Fribourg at XX:05 after the clock.

For this reason we recommend to meet at 08:20 in Fribourg so we can start together.