Thirty-two Missouri residents came together last week for Good Dads Training Camp, a fun and fast-paced training over three days in Springfield, MO, to learn all there is to know about leading New Pathways for Good Dads classes.
This remarkable group joined Good Dads staff November 19–21 at the Downtown Church. Together, we dug deep into important teaching tips, strategies for meeting dads where they are and much more. We covered so much in three days—it’s definitely a lot to take in!
Represented Communities
- Branson
- Chillicothe
- Columbia
- Fulton
- Gainesville
- Houston/Texas County
- Independence
- Kansas City
- Hannibal
- Maryville
- Mountain Grove
- Nixa
- Ozark
- Salem/Dent County
- Springfield
- St. Joseph
Our biggest takeaway is that, no matter where you’re from, fatherhood matters. We had attendees from communities as large as Kansas City (1 million+) and as small as Salem (population just over 4,500), but they had something very important in common: They knew that children do better when a loving, responsible, good dad is involved in their lives!
If you spent even just a moment observing this energetic and highly interactive event this week, you’d hear thoughtful, lively discussion that sounds something like this:
- “How did the strengths or challenges in my family of origin impact my own family now?”
- “Why are boundaries important in a healthy relationship?”
- “What does a safe and stable home look like for me?”
- “Do I have the coping skills I need to be a role model for my children?”
These are BIG questions, and they’re reflective of the kinds of topics our newest cohort of facilitators will guide our Good Dads participants through in the New Pathways program. These participants, who were trained to facilitate “Good Dads 2.0″ and “Within My Reach” classes, will take what they learned back to their communities throughout the state to deliver the program to hundreds of fathers who are working hard to be good dads.
What a perfect example of how a single effort from a small group has the potential to create ripple effects. Without a doubt, our latest cohort of Good Dads facilitators are going to change the lives of many fathers and families!
We at Good Dads are also thrilled to be soon offering classes for the very first time in previously unserved communities, like Salem and Maryville, MO!
See if a Good Dads class is starting soon in your neck of the woods! Find our full list of ongoing and upcoming Good Dads classes on our Class Locations page.
Our Gratitude to:
- Good Dads master facilitators Sally Herman, Matthew Johnson and Janice Reynolds
- Volunteers Paul Baker, Phil Grafft, Dan Johnson and Benjy Lampert
- The staff at The Downtown Church for generously offering classroom space
- Child Support Specialist Daylon Tillman
- Thank you to everyone who attended Training Camp! It is because of your commitment to championing responsible fatherhood that Good Dads has been able to reach the lives of so many fathers and families. Give your selves a pat on the back!
Feeling FOMO?
Even if you missed out on this year’s Training Camp events, it’s not too late to become a Good Dads facilitator! Good Dads will release dates for its next Training Camp (probably in the spring) after the new year. The best way to stay informed about upcoming events is by subscribing to the Good Dads newsletter and following us on social media. Find links to both in the footer of our website. ⬇️
Find out more about facilitating on our downloadable brochure.
Photos by Diana Dudenhoeffer & Rhonda Andersen
