Quick Facts
What is Boot Camp for New Dads®?
A man to man workshop to give men the tools and confidence to become great fathers, started in Irvine, California on Father’s Day 1990.
More than 500,000 “graduates” and 260 programs in 45 states and U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force bases, making it the largest program for dads in the U.S.
How does Boot Camp work?
Men typically attend the workshop 1-2 months before their first baby arrives.
Veteran dads (who had previously attended Boot Camp) bring their 2- to 9-month-old babies.
Rookies ask questions and express concerns. Veterans answer those questions and share their experiences. Coaches educate about parenting topics and facilitate discussion. Rookies get hands-on time holding, changing or feeding babies.
Who is involved in Boot Camp?
Founder and Head Coach, Greg Bishop, an Irvine-based health care consultant, brother to 12 and a father of four.
400 coaches leading workshops around the country.
Dads-to-be of all cultures, interests, ages and economic levels.
Why was Boot Camp Started?
Greg felt that many men weren’t enjoying their babies or fatherhood.
Men should be more confident and comfortable as they become fathers. After watching veteran dads take care of their babies, rookies leave Boot Camp thinking, “I can do this.”
All children need a father who is there for them, no matter what. Fathers who are absent, uninvolved or even abusive are all too common. In Greg’s day job, working with trauma centers across the U.S., he would often see children in the ICU who wouldn’t have been there if their father had known better.
Where are workshops being held?
Hospitals, community centers, health clinics.
Churches, temples, and even a firehouse!
Military bases, Canada, the United Kingdom and more.
For a complete listing of program locations, click here.
We encourage you to contact us for more information:
Alison Bishop
949-754-9067 x111
alison@bcnd.org