Danish Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Danish Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota. Counselors work with staff to lead activities, introduce villagers to Danish language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming, supportive camp community. Activities may include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, interactive lessons, cultural presentations, and everyday Village life.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position for summer 2027. The general schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and participate in the community’s daily activities. The minimum salary is $325 per week.

Staff must attend orientation before their first session, help prepare and maintain the Village, and remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation. Residential employment includes provided housing and meals. The position requires working in a busy, noisy, communal environment and maintaining appropriate professional relationships and boundaries while prioritizing the health and welfare of young participants.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Danish culture and activities.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong interpersonal skills and 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 Village environment.
• Ability 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.
• Enthusiasm, creativity, initiative, willingness to learn, and interest in language, culture, and working with young people.

Responsibilities

• Speak Danish 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, including overnight residential supervision.
• Assist villagers and the counseling team with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other Village spaces.
• Model desired behavior, including use of the target language, and be sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and the responsibilities for the assigned area; review staff materials before arriving at the Village.
• Attend orientation before the first session and help set up, 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.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, exercise good judgment, and manage personal needs to support a youth-centered program.

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