Chinese Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chinese Summer Camp Junior Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, the junior counselor helps lead games, activities, and cultural experiences and supports a welcoming camp community. The position is intended for high school students ages 16–17 who want to develop leadership skills and gain work experience.

The role is seasonal, temporary, and full-time during summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. Residential counselors work 14–16 hours per day, may work up to seven days per week, and have overnight supervision responsibilities while living in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team. The minimum salary is $165 per week. Residential employment may include housing and meals, and seasonal employment may include paid training and orientation.

Requirements

• Complete two years of language study or equivalent.
• Have broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the target language.
• Be at least 16 years old and have completed junior year of high school.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to model them for younger children.
• Demonstrate maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Be adaptable in changing situations.
• Be able to work in a busy, noisy, communal environment and carry out job responsibilities with emotional resiliency and cognitive ability.
• Be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, interact effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and manage personal needs in support of a youth-centered program.

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 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 to 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 responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement.
• Help set up the Village, prepare for the next session, and maintain the Village during the session.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model behavioral standards and be attentive to villagers’ health and welfare.

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: No Education Listed