Quick Facts

WHAT
Boot Camp for New Dads was started in Irvine, California on Father’s Day, 1990.  It has since grown to more than 250 programs in 42 states across the nation, and is also offered in the U. S. Army, Navy and Air Force. Over 150,000 men have participated, making it the largest program for fathers in the nation.

HOW
Men typically attend the workshop 1-2 months before their first baby arrives.  They learn what to do and what to expect from veteran dads (who had previously attended when their baby was on the way) who bring their 2-4 month old babies. It has been characterized as a “nursery in a locker room”, where “no women over 2’ tall are allowed.

WHO
BCND was started by Greg Bishop, an Irvine health care consultant, brother to 12 and father of four.  Today there are more than 400 coaches around the country who lead Boot Camp workshops in their communities. Greg serves as Head Coach, and in 1995, formed the non-profit New Father’s Foundation to expand and operate BCND.

WHY
Bishop felt that many men weren’t enjoying their babies, and would be more confident and comfortable if they got an orientation from experienced fathers.  He was right; the most common reaction that guys come away with, after watching the veteran fathers take care of their babies for three hours, is “I can do this”.

All children need a father who is there for them, no matter what. Many do not have one, and fathers who are absent, uninvolved or even abusive are all too common. In Bishop’s day job working with trauma centers across the U.S., this was apparent in the form of kids who were intentionally injured; another reason he started BCND.

WHERE
Boot Camp workshops are offered in hospitals, community centers, health clinics, churches, temples, and soon in a firehouse. Men of all types, colors and economic levels participate. For a complete listing of program locations, click here.

We encourage you to contact us for more information: