MOOSEHEART CHILD CITY & SCHOOL is a residential childcare facility, located on a 1,000-acre campus 38 miles west of Chicago (a short 40 minute train ride to downtown). The Child City is a home for children and teens in need, from infancy through high school. Dedicated in July 1913 by the Moose fraternal organization, MOOSEHEART cares for youth whose families are unable, for a wide variety of reasons, to care for them. Some have lost one or both parents; others are living in environments that are simply not conducive to healthy growth and development. Whatever the reason, the men and women of the Moose, through unparalleled generosity and volunteerism, furnish the resources necessary to care for children in need. The Moose fraternity provides children with a wholesome home-like environment and the best possible training and education.
Children live in one of thirty residences designed like a spacious single-family residence. Each is home for six to twelve children. The heart of the program is Family Teachers — providing a consistent, systematic method of care, with emphasis on social-skills development — skills essential for success in later life.
It is Mooseheart’s policy to admit qualified children who have a need. The Admissions Committee considers all applications of children in need.
Mooseheart owns over 130 acres of camp land in Mt. Morris, Illinois. Terrain includes a creek, forest of pine trees, a couple of fishing ponds, and rocky hiking areas. The facilities include an outdoor swimming area, cabins, staff cabins, mess hall with games and television, recreation equipment, and a Frisbee golf course.