Dad goes to camp: Workshop teaches fathers-to-be about what to expect from babies

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A Daddy Boot Camp was hosted by the Family Advocacy Program at the First Street Chapel Wednesday in order to better prepare future fathers in their transition to parenthood.

The class trainer, Master Sgt. Kevyn Kerker, 60th Medical Operations Squadron, has been providing this class to Travis Airmen for more than a year. Tech. Sgt. Matthew Fisher, 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron, began his first training session as an instructor under a year-long contract on Wednesday.

"It means a lot to help dads feel comfortable around their babies," Fisher said. "It's nice to be able to share my experience and tips with other dads."

Discussions in the workshop include topics such as supporting the mother through child birth, what to expect with a new born, impacts on relationships and how to interact with their newborn, among many other subjects.

Fisher, a father of three children with the fourth due in September, said that it's important for upcoming dads to have an environment where no question is off-limits as well as pressure-free opportunities to practice basic parenting skills.

"Just being able to chat with veteran and fellow new dads allows for our Airmen to gain new perspectives and ideas," Fisher said.

Not only does the course include a candid discussion about the realities of fatherhood, class attendees also receive hands-on training in diaper changing and swaddling baby dolls.

The quarterly workshop provides attendees with a folder containing helpful books, brochures and exercises to do at home. Participants include new dads as well as dads that would like to take a refresher to benefit them and their family.

The next course is scheduled to occur in the end of October.

For more information about the course or to sign up, contact the Family Advocacy Program at 423-5168.