Getting the Word Out About Boot Camp

Here are some ideas from Boot Camps around the country to help spread the word about Boot Camp for New Dads and make sure you're reaching as many dads-to-be as possible:

• During hour 2 of Boot Camp, send one of your Vet dads and his baby to any other pre-natal classes going on at the same time to give a two-minute pitch about why he thinks the guys should sign up for Boot Camp.
• Post Boot Camp for New Dads flyers in lobby/waiting areas.
• If you have screens or TVs showing hospital/organization info, include Boot Camp for New Dads.
• Show the short version of the BCND video in other classes to generate interest.
• Include a Boot Camp brochure in your information stand.
• Make sure there's a listing for Boot Camp for New Dads in your course catalog/class listings, in print and online.
• Have your Coach or Coordinator talk to local OB groups about Boot Camp and the confidence it inspires in dads-to-be. 
  • Provide OBs with prescription pads (pre-stamped with your info) and flyers they can pass out to new patients and include in welcome bags.
  • Ask Rookie Dads where they heard about Boot Camp. Those that say a doctor, tell them to go back and thank the doctor for recommending it. For those that don't mention a doctor, tell them to go back and tell their doctors how great the class was.
• Use quotes from Veteran Dads in your marketing. Hearing what other guys think of the class can go a long way to persuading a dad-to-be that this will be a great class for him.
• Partner with other hospitals and community organizations to have them talk about your Boot Camp to their clients/patients.
  • Flyers and prescription pads work great for these situations too.
  • Give them a few Dads Adventure magazines with your flyer attached for the lobby.
  • Ask if they can link to your registration page from their website.
• Make sure the packet of information you give parents/moms-to-be includes info on Boot Camp for New Dads.
• Let your past Veterans do the advertising for you by giving them Veteran Dad t-shirts and onesies to wear outside of class.
• List the Boot Camp for New Dads class with your other pre-natal classes so it's easy to find and parents can sign up for everything at once.
• Talk about Boot Camp in all your other childbirth/pre-natal classes. It might take multiple mentions to get guys to sign up. 
• Make guys feel included by handing out the Dads Adventure magazine in your classes or welcome packets. This will introduce them to Boot Camp as well as give them helpful tips.
• Mention Boot Camp for New Dads during facility tours.
  • Ask if any of the guys have already been and what they thought.
  • Include a slide, small presentation, or table about Boot Camp for New Dads at your maternity tours or any other events for moms-to-be and parents-to-be.
• Put flyers in local baby stores. See if the store will include a flyer in its gift-registry packets. 
• If families will be passing by during Boot Camp, have an A-frame sign outside the classroom advertising the class with a flyer holder with the upcoming schedule so families can take one.
• Email moms-to-be that have been in your other classes to let them know specifically about this great program for dads-to-be and how it gets them excited to see their babies, confident they can care for new baby and new mom, and will help them be a more involved, invested father.