So he had an idea. Why not convene a group of guys - some of whom were already fathers, and some of whom were expectant fathers - and let them share ideas, stories, knowledge and camaraderie? Of course, many folks have brilliant ideas. And some folks even act on them. But Bishop had more than vision and follow-through. He had a businessman's understanding of the realities of implementing novel programs, and the determination to convince an entrenched medical establishment that his proposal would not only work, but that it could be done cost-effectively.
He met with initial resistance, but eventually convinced hospital administrators at a hospital in his hometown of his Irvine, California, to allow him to hold a session of his training program for expectant fathers on site. His loosely conceived plan was to gather a group of men and sit around talking, locker-room style, about the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Uncertain that he would have enough to say to a roomful of "rookies", Bishop invited some of his friends along. A few of them brought along their several-month-old babies, and the deceptively simple and elegant Boot Camp formula was born. Bishop says he wishes he could take credit for developing a brilliant idea, but that the program's formula was more a result of serendipity than foresight. Others protest that he is far too humble. Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that he took the crucial step of putting his idea - however well conceived - to work.
That initial program was such a resounding success that other sessions, and venues, soon followed. Today the organization has chapters in 37 states and has trained more than 50,000 men to be better fathers. The formula is brilliant, and simple. It is based on the premise, which is backed up by research, that men who get involved in the care of their children from birth are far more likely to remain committed to those children throughout life.
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