VH1's New Series 'Dad Camp' Tasks Unprepared Fathers-to-be to Step Up and Become a Part of Their Children's Lives

NEW YORK, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Last Father's Day, President Obama challenged young men to step up as fathers, asking them to recognize that their "responsibility does not end at conception."  VH1 and 3 Ball Productions are taking that call to heart with the new series "Dad Camp," which tasks a small group of young fathers-to-be to step up and become responsible and caring parents.  "Dad Camp" premieres on VH1 on Monday, May 31 at 10PM*

There is no turning back for the fathers-to-be on "Dad Camp." Unprepared boyfriends, along with their pregnant girlfriends, will work with famed relationship expert Dr. Jeff Gardere. Dr. Jeff, a licensed psychologist and no-nonsense therapist, will take on the challenge to prepare these six young men for fatherhood.  In the eight, hour-long episode 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 and intense couple and group therapy sessions, each couple will learn the importance of selflessness and the commitment they must make to their unborn child.

Participating couples will move into the same house working and supporting each other during a variety of tough, progressive lessons in parenting, honesty and maturity.  In each episode, Dr. Jeff initiates an intensive parenting lesson and challenge for the young men in order to prepare them for fatherhood. Through Dr. Jeff's challenges, these young men learn that their choices can cause a negative effect on the child. For example, these six young men are each paired up with a youth who has not had a nurturing, paternal influence in his or her life. These challenges help the young men conquer their fear of fatherhood and make a commitment to their girlfriends and new family.

"We're really proud of 'Dad Camp' because it shows a group of unprepared fathers-to-be how to embrace their looming responsibilities while also reminding viewers in general that parenthood is something to be taken seriously by both parents," said Jeff Olde, EVP, Original Programming and Production, VH1.  "This series is just the latest example of how VH1 is expanding its storytelling formats to reflect some of the issues that confront our young adult audience."

"Dad Camp" also addresses many of today's societal issues including the importance of male role models, absent fathers and the struggles of being a young parent. In the dramatic conclusion, the mothers-to-be will decide whether they will be a family or if they will leave their irresponsible boyfriends and raise their babies on their own, ultimately deciding the fate of their children's future.  

Executive Producer and 3 Ball CEO JD Roth said, "With 'Dad Camp,' we really wanted to go beyond exploring the critical role of fatherhood in today's family, and give dads something useful and tangible that they could take away. We're so appreciative that VH1 was savvy enough to allow us to do a show that delved this deep into the issue, and into the hearts and minds of real people trying to solve real problems in their lives, and transform into better parents along the way."

"Dad Camp" premieres Monday, May 31 on VH1 at 10PM. JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson and Adam Greener are Executive Producers for 3 Ball Productions.  Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Sean Boyle are Executive Producers for VH1.

Viewers can catch a sneak peek of the season's first episode on VH1.com beginning Friday, May 28. Subsequent episodes will be available on VH1.com every Tuesday morning following their Monday night premiere. Additional video content from "Dad Camp" including extras from each episode will be available on VH1.com and on VH1 Mobile throughout the season.

About VH1

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

About 3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks USA

3 Ball Productions/Eyeworks USA is one of the television industry's most prolific producers of reality and non-fiction programming, both for broadcast and cable.  Perhaps best known for producing The Biggest Loser, now in its ninth season for NBC, and the hit series Beauty and Geek, which airs in multiple markets worldwide, the company and Executive Producers JD and Todd are also currently producing Obese for ABC (to air in 2011), Master Chef for FOX (premiering July 20th), OCD and Dad Camp for VH1 (premiering May 27 and 31, respectively), What's Eating You? for E!, Friday Night Feud for Discovery, On the Rocks for Spike, and Hair Battle Spectacular for Oxygen.  Other network and cable shows include Age of Love (NBC), Unan1mous (FOX), Breaking Bonaduce and The Pick-Up Artist (VH1), Hammer Time (A&E), Fourth and Long (Spike), The Fashion Show (Bravo), Groomer Has It (Animal Planet), and Scott Baio is 45 and Single (VH1).

About Dr. Jeff Gardere

Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as America's Psychologist, is one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of parenting and relationships. Dr. Jeff obtained a doctorate in philosophy and psychology at George Washington University and became a chief psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

He later founded a clinical practice in Manhattan focusing on the mental health needs of families. In addition to his private practice, he has garnered a reputation as being a top motivational and keynote speaker, and empowerment and media coach.

Dr. Jeff has authored several books, including his controversial book, "Love Prescription." He is also the co-author of "Practical Parenting" with Montel Williams. Dr. Jeff's first book, "Smart Parenting for African-Americans: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Difficult World" has been lauded as being "necessary for raising African-American children in today's society." Dr. Jeff is also a monthly columnist for "Sister 2 Sister Magazine."

*All Times ET

SOURCE VH1