Chinese Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chinese Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Working collaboratively with other staff, the counselor leads engaging activities, introduces villagers to Chinese language and cultural traditions, and helps foster a welcoming and supportive camp community. Activities include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, lessons, and everyday Village life. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision. The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time for Summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. Residential schedules may include up to seven days per week, 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision. Minimum salary is $325 per week.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities of 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 demonstrate emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• 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 build a cabin community.
• Live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other Village spaces to maintain a safe, hygienic environment.
• Model desired behaviors, including use of the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and help set up the Village, prepare for the next session, and maintain the Village throughout the session.
• 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