Partnering with the City of Zanesville Fire Department; Genesis Healthcare Systems' Childbirth Education and Maternity Departments and ForeverDads (a fatherhood resource center in Zanesville) and with help from sponsors including Sam's Club, Muskingum County Literacy Council and Zemba Bros. Inc., the Boot Camp for New Dads program launched at the firehouse on November 10, 2007.

Having prepared more than 160,000 men for fatherhood over the past 16 years, Boot Camp for New Dads' mission is to help new dads face both the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood through workshops which provide them with "hands on" education in the care of their babies.

Hands-on training at the firehouse

New fathers may pre-register for the Boot Camp class by calling the Genesis Maternity Department's Nurse's Help Line.

Men who are expecting their first baby are joined in the Boot Camp workshop by "veterans" who had previously attended and have returned with their two to four-month-old baby in tow. Veteran dads are able to give the dads-to-be a realistic idea of what to do and what to expect when their first baby comes.

During last 10 minutes of each Boot Camp class, the Zanesville firefighters provide a home safety presentation.

According to Greg Bishop, Head Coach and founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, "Our mission is similar to our partners in that we strive to foster a healthy, safe environment for children and we do so through education."

Boot Camp for New Dads has taught thousands of new fathers across the U.S., as well as in England, Japan and Italy, how to burp, feed, change, comfort and bond with their new babies.

According to Bishop, "Our premise is simple and validated by research and results. Men want to do their best as fathers, are most receptive to support as they become fathers, and learn best from other men already on the job. Research has shown that children whose fathers are a consistent, positive force in their lives do better socially, intellectually and physically."

For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads program, visit the website at Bootcampfornewdads.org.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Celebrating their 16th year, Boot Camp for New Dads is nationally acclaimed as the "Best Practice" for preparing men to be fathers and was recently named a U.S. Navy Model Program.

With more than 4.1 million births last year alone (National Center for Health Statistics), and approximately 1.5 million men becoming new dads every year, it's more important than ever for fathers to realize that being a "good provider" is only part of the very central role they have in their children's lives.

Bishop continued, "These guys are inspiring and should make all men proud, because once they understand how much they are needed, they deliver the goods."

For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads, visit www.bcnd.org. To arrange an interview with Greg Bishop, please contact sdubin@prworkzone.com, (781) 582-1061.