Chinese Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

23h • Onsite

About The Position

As a Summer Camp Junior Counselor at Concordia Language Villages, you will help create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, you will help lead games, activities, and cultural experiences while supporting a welcoming and engaging camp community. The role is intended for high school students ages 16–17 who want to develop leadership skills, build friendships, share an interest in language and culture, and gain work experience in a summer camp setting.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position for Summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. The general schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $165 per week.

Junior Counselors speak the target language with children (“villagers”) and staff as much as possible; co-teach language through activities; co-lead games, Cabin Council, and other activities; and participate in Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings. They live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team to provide overnight supervision, assist with light cleaning, and serve as positive role models.

Staff live in community housing arrangements assigned according to gender and use shared bathroom facilities, with private shower and toilet stalls in common areas. General duties also include attending orientation, helping set up and maintain the Village, preparing for sessions, following applicable personnel policies and staff guidance, and remaining one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation. 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 the target language’s 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 the ability to model them for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to perform job 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 while maintaining 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 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 read and understand responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village during the session.
• Model appropriate behavior and be 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: High school or GED