Arabic Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arabic Summer Camp Junior Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, during Summer 2027. This seasonal, temporary, full-time role is intended for high school students ages 16–17 and provides hands-on experience supporting an immersive language and cultural program for young people. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, the Junior Counselor helps lead activities and foster a welcoming camp community. The minimum salary is $165 per week. Residential work may require up to seven days per week, with 14–16 hours per day and overnight supervision responsibilities.

The Junior Counselor speaks Arabic with villagers and staff as much as possible, helps teach language through activities, and co-leads games and cabin activities. The role participates in Village life, lives in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team to provide overnight supervision, and assists with light cleaning. Junior Counselors serve as positive role models and help maintain a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

Staff are expected to attend orientation, help set up and maintain the Village, follow applicable personnel policies, and remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation. Community living arrangements and shared bathroom facilities are assigned according to gender. Employment offers are contingent on applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent, with broad knowledge of Arabic-language culture and activities.
• At least 16 years of age and completed junior year of high school.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to model them for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, learn, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to carry out job responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment; establish appropriate professional relationships; manage personal needs; and interact effectively across social and cultural diversity.
• Non-U.S. citizens must be at least 18 years old to be considered for a staff position.
• At least two professional references must be provided before an offer is made; references are not required with the initial application.
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working with children.
• Previous attendance at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language with children (villagers) and other staff members as much as possible.
• Co-teach language through activities such as art, sports, and traditional culture, with assistance from other staff members.
• Co-lead games, Cabin Council, and other activities to create a cabin community.
• Participate in Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team and provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and become familiar with assigned-area responsibilities and staff materials.
• Attend orientation before the first session, help set up and maintain the Village, and remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior, attend to villagers’ health and welfare, and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Meals provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Paid training and orientation.
• Applicable tuition discounts for children attending Concordia Language Villages.
• Opportunities for professional development, intercultural learning, and language immersion.
• J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED