Chinese Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Summer Camp Counselor at Concordia Language Villages, you will help create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people from around the world. Working with a team of staff, you will lead activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming, supportive camp community. Activities include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, lessons, and everyday Village life. The role is seasonal, temporary, and full-time for Summer 2027, based in Bemidji, Minnesota. Residential counselors may work up to seven days per week, with schedules of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities.

Counselors speak Chinese with villagers and staff as much as possible, teach language through activities and interactive lessons, and participate in the full range of Village activities. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team, provide supervision, help maintain a safe and hygienic site, and model appropriate behavior. General responsibilities for CLV positions include attending orientation, helping prepare and maintain the Village, following policies and staff guidance, living in assigned community housing, remaining one day after the final session for cleanup and evaluation, and supporting villagers’ health and welfare.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the language.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language with children (villagers) and staff members as much as possible.
• Teach language through activities such as art, sports, traditional culture, and interactive lessons.
• Participate in Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Lead games, Cabin Council, and other activities to create a cabin community.
• Live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision, including overnight residential supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other parts of the Village site with villagers and the counseling team.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including using the target language.
• Follow CLV policies and become familiar with the responsibilities of the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and help set up, prepare, and maintain the Village throughout the session.
• Model appropriate behavior and remain attentive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment.
• Meals provided during residential employment.
• 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: No Education Listed