Finnish Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, is hiring a Finnish Summer Camp Counselor for its summer 2027 program in Bemidji, Minnesota. The counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people by speaking Finnish, teaching language through activities and interactive lessons, and contributing to a welcoming camp community. The role includes leading games, Cabin Council and other activities; participating in meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations and staff meetings; and living in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team to provide supervision. Counselors also assist with light cleaning and serve as positive role models for behavior and language use.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position. The general schedule may be up to seven days per week. Residential shifts are 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight residential supervision responsibilities. Staff must attend orientation, help set up and maintain the Village, and remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory and program evaluation. Housing and meals are provided during residential employment, and training and orientation are paid.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Finnish culture and activities.
• At least 18 years of age; applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be at least 18 to be considered for a staff position.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Ability to work in a busy, noisy, communal environment and establish 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 Finnish with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
• Teach language through activities such as art, sports and traditional culture, as well as 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 parts of the Village site.
• Model desired behavior, including use of the target language, and support villagers’ health and welfare.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and help set up, prepare for subsequent sessions and maintain the Village.
• 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