Pickup trucks filled the parking lot in front of the South Lake Tahoe Women's Center Saturday, as 11 young men filed in to learn what it's like to be a dad from experienced fathers.
For the first time, Barton Memorial Hospital sponsored the three-hour class designed for rookie fathers in a nationally recognized program called "Boot Camp for New Dads."
Michael Moore, a 13-year-resident of South Lake Tahoe, arrived with his 12-day-old boy, Quinn. A crucial part of the program is to have real babies and their fathers attend.
"It's just our first date together," Moore joked. "We had to get away from the women. He told me he needed to get away."
He elected to bring his tiny son, who was only 5 pounds, seven ounces at birth, to help make other guys who are going to be fathers soon feel more comfortable with their new roles.
"It's life-changing," Moore said. "Just the whole thing - it just changes something inside."
Men in all stages of fatherhood sat in clusters, taking turns holding the two infants who were brought by their fathers. The babies didn't make a peep through the entire session.
No women are allowed in the room, and what could be called a spirit of camaraderie seemed to be pervasive.
Robert Guebard's wife is expecting twins in May. When they signed up for birthing classes at Barton Memorial Hospital, he was told about the boot camp.
"We just found out we're having a boy and a girl," Guebard said. "It's scary. I'm starting to get more nervous, especially after seeing these two little guys," he said, motioning toward the babies. "Anything like this - it has got to be a help."
Drew Plimpton of Stateline had an 8-week-old at home. He came to give advice, plus get some support.
"You need to learn as much as you can. You have to be involved," he said. "It's fun to hear other people's stories, their experiences. It's comforting to get other people's advice and learn all you can. They need to do more of these programs all over."
Boot Camp for New Dads came to South Lake Tahoe on the recommendation of Larry Ball of the Kiwanis Sunrisers, who is also on the board of directors of the New Fathers Foundation, the program's management committee.
Ball approached Marie Iverson, prenatal manager at Barton Memorial Hospital, told her about the camp, and presented the hospital with a $1,000 check for it.
There is no fee for attending the class.
"From a program perspective, this is really great for dads," Iverson said. "We do a lot for the women, but the dads need something. Men usually don't become involved until the third trimester, when the belly begins to show a lot. Guys are overwhelmed sometimes."
Iverson said she hopes to set up another class in the next six months, so current program participates can teach a new group about their experiences.
"The way it works is that rookie dads will come back with their new babies. Gradually, it will hopefully be turning over and growing."