Finnish Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Finnish Summer Camp Junior Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages to help 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 and engaging camp community. The position is intended for high school students ages 16–17 seeking to develop leadership skills and gain work experience.

The role is seasonal and temporary for Summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. Residential work may involve up to seven days per week, 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision responsibilities. The Junior Counselor lives in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team.

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.
• Have emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, exercise good judgment, manage personal needs, and 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, to help maintain a safe, hygienic space.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area, and review staff materials before arriving at the Village.
• 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.
• Live in assigned community housing and use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior, support villagers' health and welfare, and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.

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