RebelDad

VH1′s Boot Camp for Dads: Dad Camp

Posted on 17. May, 2010 by Brian Reid in reality tv

File this under “not-entirely-sure-what-to-make-of-it”: later this month, VH1 is slated to premier a new reality show called Dad Camp. Here’s how VH1 sets it up:

VH1 DAD CAMP is a docureality show that attempts to transform 6 irresponsible soon-to-be dads into respectable fathers.

Each couple at VH1 DAD CAMP has a major dilemma: she’s pregnant… but he’s not ready or willing to accept the duties of fatherhood. Dealing with guys who drink, smoke, and don’t have jobs (but do have anger issues), VH1 Dad Camp takes on one of our nations greatest concerns. In June 2009, father of two Barack Obama issued a call to the nation’s dads to “step up” and take responsibility…VH1, 3 Ball Productions, and Dr. Jeff Gardere have answered the call.

I am all for anyone who helps fathers recognize what it takes to be a good dad. I’m all for anything that gives good parenting tools to viewers. And I’m all for the idea that it’s important — for dads themselves, for moms, for kids — when fathers are involved in family life.

What I worry about is that fatherhood will be made out to be harder or more complicated than it actually is. Now, if you have drug or alcohol problems, if your finances are in trouble, if you don’t have a good relationship with the child’s mother, if you have anger management issues, then — yes — you’re going to have problems being an active parent. But it’s not the parenting that is the problem. It’s the drugs/alcohol/anger/interpersonal issues that are the problem. I’m hoping that the series makes that clear.

If not, I’ll take a pass and just watch Intervention.

(An aside: I found the show after Googling around looking for information about DadCamp, a thoughtful group blog that’s worth reading.)