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.

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.

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."

The National Fatherhood Leaders Group, a coalition of national and community-based fatherhood organizations and allied groups, raises awareness of the importance of two involved parents in the lives of children and to strengthen the capacity of the responsible fatherhood field. We seek to help children by helping their parents build strong families.

Almost 40 percent of children in the United States are born to unmarried parents, and often both parents have low incomes. Sixty-three percent of African-American households are headed by a single parent and overwhelming the majority of these single parents are women. Many children who grow up without their fathers struggle and are vulnerable to a number of negative risk factors. The public costs of father absence on children are substantial, including poverty, low academic achievement, juvenile delinquency, and early pregnancy.

Visit VH1's website to watch the trailer.

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