Danish Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Danish Summer Camp Junior Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, helping create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, the junior counselor helps lead games, activities, and cultural experiences while supporting a welcoming camp community. The role is intended for high school students ages 16–17 to develop leadership skills and gain work experience.

The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time for Summer 2027. Residential work may require up to seven days per week, with shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $165 per week. Staff live in community housing, typically in a cabin with villagers of the same gender, and use shared bathroom facilities with private shower and toilet stalls. Residential employment may include housing and meals. Staff must attend orientation before their first session and remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent.
• Broad knowledge of Danish culture and activities associated with the target language.
• At least 16 years of age and completed junior year of high school.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to model them for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal 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 at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

Responsibilities

• Speak Danish 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 all aspects of 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 Concordia Language Villages personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and help set up, prepare for sessions, and maintain the Village throughout the session.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior and remain sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, exercise good judgment, and manage personal needs in 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: High school or GED