French Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The French Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive French language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota. Working with other staff, the counselor leads activities, introduces villagers to language and cultural traditions, and helps foster a welcoming and supportive camp community. The role includes games, outdoor activities, music, art, interactive lessons, and participation in everyday Village life.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time position for Summer 2027. Residential counselors may work up to seven days per week, with shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and assist with light cleaning of the site. The minimum salary is $325 per week.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of French culture and activities associated with the language.
• 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.
• 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 or work experience at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.
• Enthusiasm, initiative, creativity, and willingness to learn.
• Interest in language, culture, and working collaboratively in a residential camp environment.

Responsibilities

• Speak French with villagers and other 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.
• Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other Village spaces.
• Model desired behaviors, including use of the target language, and be attentive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• Follow personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area, and read required staff materials before arriving.
• Attend orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement.
• Help set up the Village, prepare for subsequent sessions, and maintain the Village throughout the session.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Establish 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