The location is not trivial. Perched in the Vaudois Alps, the village of Leysin perpetuates, in a way, its vocation as a place of resource. Last week, 12 “Papas Solos” gathered there to rethink their paternity and question the codes of virility. Between deconstruction of male stereotypes and redefinition of the paternal role, these men have chosen to break the silence on their intimacy and their taboos.
For the past five years, the Pro Junior Friborg association and the Mencare platform organize these camps for fathers alone – a unique initiative in Switzerland. Solos for various reasons – divorce, separation or widowhood -, they all share a major upheaval: a role extended in their parenting. Accompanied by their children, they spend a week at 1200 meters above sea level, in the Beau Soleil residence. The mornings are devoted to exchanges and learning between fathers, while children participate in various workshops. The afternoons are left free for family activities.