In many other cases, their parents have separated or divorced, or there has been severe financial need, or other problems causing family instability. Over 10,000 children have resided at Mooseheart for such reasons since it was founded in 1913. In addition to the academic program, each student is required to study a vocation. The opportunity to learn one or more of several vocational skills, including computer education, electronics, sheet metal, graphic arts, food services, garment making, cosmetology, hairstyling and office procedures and practices is offered to its elder students. Every student has an opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument by being a member of the concert band, and to develop his or her singing voice by performing in one of the choirs.
Much opportunity is offered to enjoy sports.
Also, an extensive intramural sports and recreation program is conducted. Year round recreational and nature enjoyment are offered at Mooseheart's rolling, wooded 100-acre Camp Ross facility, an hour's drive west of the campus. At Mooseheart, every child is trained in the faith which prevailed in the child's former home. Two resident chaplains, one Catholic and one Protestant, are headquartered in Mooseheart's magnificent multi-denominational cathedral known simply as the House of God. They minister to the spiritual needs of the children, while students of the Jewish faith continue their religious training in a nearby Aurora synagogue.