Finnish Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College•Bemidji, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Finnish 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 and supports a welcoming camp community. The role is intended for high school students ages 16–17 seeking to develop leadership skills and gain work experience. The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time for Summer 2027. Residential work may involve up to seven days per week and 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision responsibilities. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team. The position requires participation in Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings. Junior counselors also assist with light cleaning and help maintain a safe, hygienic environment. Staff are expected to attend orientation before their first session, help set up and maintain the Village, and remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation. Community living and shared bathroom facilities are part of the work environment. Employment is contingent on applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

Requirements

Completed two years of language study or equivalent.
Broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the target language.
At least 16 years of age and completion of 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.
Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out 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 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 at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

Responsibilities

Speak the target language with children (“villagers”) and 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 to provide overnight supervision.
Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other parts of the Village site.
Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
Attend orientation before the first session and help set up, prepare, and maintain the Village throughout sessions.
Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
Model appropriate behavior and be attentive to villagers’ health and welfare.

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.

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