Boot Camp coaches march on

At the time, fatherhood as a "movement" was gaining momentum, at least in the media. But since 1990, numerous other initiatives have fallen by the wayside, while BCND continues to gain ground. It operates on a shoestring budget and relies on the dedication and commitment of its network of trained coaches. These are usually ordinary dads from all walks of life who been through the program as rookies. They have usually returned as "veterans" (former rookies who attend BCND sessions as volunteers, with their approximately 2-month-old infants in tow). Some of these veterans are invited to be "coaches", trained mediators or facilitators who introduce rookies to veterans and their babies.

Coaches keep the ensuing conversations and information sharing on track. They make sure that as many rookies as possible get the chance to hold another man's baby, or to feed or even diaper an infant. For some men this deceptively simple approach represents the first time they will have held an infant. For many, the exchange marks a profound change in confidence level. Coaches also make sure that several key messages are relayed, including the importance of forming a team with one's spouse, and the dangers of shaken baby syndrome.

Although they receive very little financial compensation in return for their time, coaches are not in it for the money. After meeting some of them this past weekend, it's clear to me that they do it because they love being fathers and they want to share that love with - and impart some of their practical knowledge to -- other men. Like Bishop, they want to see men realize their potential as important, committed influences in their children's lives. Some of the most motivated coaches, and fathers, are victims of absent, indifferent, or abusive fathers themselves. They are determined to the kind of father to their own children that they never had. Their passion and commitment is palpable and moving.

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