VH1 Teams Up With The National Fatherhood Leaders Group For Watch Parties Surrounding May 31 Premiere Of New Original Series "DAD CAMP"

Partnership Inspired by President Obama's National Conversation on Responsible Fatherhood

The National Fatherhood Leaders Group (NFLG), a consortium of the leading fatherhood organizations in the U.S., is teaming up with VH1 on the premiere of the television network's upcoming original series "Dad Camp," which focuses on encouraging responsible fatherhood, featuring licensed psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere.

The partners' goal is to generate awareness and discussion around the importance of fathers in children's lives.   The cornerstone of the collaboration is the promotion of national "Watch Parties" for the series premiere on Monday, May 31 at 10:30 PM ET/PT on VH1.  Participating fatherhood groups are now mobilizing their constituents and asking them to create and promote local viewing events tied to the premiere to spark discussion around the country about responsible fatherhood and the challenges that young men face today.

The National Fatherhood Leaders Group members include:
* Center for Urban Families
* Celebrate Dads
* National Center for Fathering
* National Center on Fathers and Families
* National Fatherhood Initiative
* National Partnership for Community Leadership
* Center for Research on Fathers, Children and Family Well-Being
* Brookings Institute
* National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute
* Fathers Incorporated
 
In the series "Dad Camp," licensed psychologist and no-nonsense therapist Dr. Jeff Gardere works with six fathers-to-be, along with their pregnant girlfriends, to help prepare the young men for fatherhood - a responsibility that they're just not ready for yet.  Throughout the course of the series, the young fathers will face the inevitable truth:  A baby is coming soon, whether they like it or not.  Through parenting classes, personal challenges around responsibility, and intense couples and group therapy sessions, each couple will learn the importance of selflessness and the commitment they must make to their unborn child.  "Dad Camp" is produced by 3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks USA, producers of the hit television series "The Biggest Loser." 

In addition, the National Fatherhood Leaders Group has developed a discussion guide to help facilitate conversations about the issues brought up in the show, including the economic and emotional demands of being a parent.   The guide will be found on all of the partners' web sites, as well as "20 Reasons Why A Child Needs An Active Father In Their Life," which provide research findings that support the needs for young fathers to embrace parenthood.  The sites will also feature resource pages, linking readers directly to information, advice and support regarding responsible fatherhood.   VH1's "Dad Camp" dedicated site is at www.dadcamp.vh1.com.

"We were inspired last year by President Obama's words to young men reminding them that fatherhood doesn't end at conception.  Being a parent, whether you're ready for it or not, is a major issue that many of our young adult VH1 viewers face," said Tom Calderone, President, VH1.  "We so appreciate the dedicated and resourceful members of the National Fatherhood Leaders Group and thank them all for helping to amplify the message behind 'Dad Camp' - that it really takes two committed parents to successfully fulfill a child's potential."

"Our organizations' efforts are motivated by the national conversation that President Obama started about the necessity of responsible fatherhood in our society," said Dr. Jeffery Johnson, Vice Chairman of the National Fatherhood Leaders Group and President and CEO of the National Partnership for Community Leadership.  "To us, 'Dad Camp' illustrates the challenges that many young fathers face today and helps provide ideas for some solutions.  We're happy to elevate this issue and create dialogue around it across the country."