Vocational Training

Meaningful participation in the workplace

CherishAbility partners with Christian Science camps and other organizations to offer this expansive opportunity.

Trainees work in paid positions while learning both job- and life-skills. They contribute important services in supportive work environments.

We are now accepting applications for our summer training sessions. Please click here to apply by Tuesday, March 18.

CherishAbility’s Vocational Training Program is an inclusive and inspired program for Christian Scientists with developmental special needs where trainees gain useful job and life skills and are valued contributors in a supportive work environment.
As a result, trainees will:
- grow in their understanding of Christian Science and its application to their daily lives
- learn technical skills needed to perform job-related tasks
- expand and practice interpersonal communication skills as they navigate professional and personal relationships
- develop time management skills essential to employment
- mature in their independence in carrying out life skills associated with personal care (i.e. grooming, laundry, tidiness, etc.)
This is a paid position. Trainees may forgo pay if it interferes with other benefits.
A/U Ranches
- Arrivals and training: Tuesday, June 17 – Thursday, June 19, 2025
- Session 1: June 19 – July 3, 2025
- Sessions 1 & 2: June 19 – July 19, 2025
Camps Newfound and Owatonna
- Session 2: July 13 – August 8, 2025
Christian Scientists with developmental special needs who are:
- 18 years of age or older
- interested in developing job- and life-skills in a Christian Science workplace environment
- able to safely demonstrate the skills necessary for the particular job.
CherishAbility trainees work as a cohesive unit throughout the program, but may have differing job tasks during working hours. The job positions require moderate to vigorous physical activity and demanding work schedules. See job descriptions below.
Job site: A/U Ranches
- Lodge Crew Job Description & Duties (PDF)
- Facilities Crew Job Description & Duties (PDF)
Job site: Camps Newfound and Owatonna
- Kitchen Crew Job Description & Duties(PDF)
Trainees and CherishAbility staff are housed together. 24/7 care is provided and specific adaptations are applied to every aspect of the program—training, job tasks, housing and care needs, off-hours activities, travel, etc.
There is no tuition for this program, however there are costs associated with travel, uniforms, and spending money for days off.
Financial assistance is available here.
We are now accepting applications for our summer training sessions.
- Please click here to apply by Tuesday, March 18.
- If you’d like to preview the application questions, please click here.
Coming soon!

Questions? Please contact the CherishAbility Program Director by email or call 480.875.6958.

2024 Vocational Training Video

Watch this video and learn more about us and how some of the trainees in this summer’s Vocational Training Program are putting their new skills in action.

2024 Vocational Training Photos

2023 Vocational Training Photos

Outside group photo of trainees and coaches in their gray t-shirts.

Trainees and coaches group photo outside church at a Wednesday Evening Meeting.

Coach and trainee standing outside with pine trees in background.

Coach talking to trainees in the Lodge Crew

Coach and trainee with brown aprons on and smiling

Ranch Hand Crew member watering plants outside.

Ranch Hand Crew and coach sitting outside on a stone wall.

Lodge Crew trainee putting chairs around a table.

“One outcome from my son’s experience last year, is the fact that he easily got hired as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. He knew he could do the job based on his experience washing dishes at your Vocational Training program. He is working in a supportive atmosphere and continues to let his light shine.”

— CherishAbility Parent