French Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • 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. Counselors work with a team to lead engaging activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming, supportive camp community. Activities may include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, interactive lessons, and everyday Village life.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position for Summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. The schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential counselors working 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and participate in orientation, Village setup and maintenance, session preparation, and end-of-session cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

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 perform job responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to manage personal needs while maintaining a youth-centered program and to interact respectfully across social and cultural differences.
• Be at least 18 years old if not a United States citizen.
• Provide contact information for at least two professional references before an offer is made; references are not required with the initial application.
• Successfully complete applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

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 French with villagers and 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, including overnight residential supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, alongside villagers and the counseling team.
• 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 assist with Village setup, preparation for subsequent sessions, and ongoing maintenance.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Support villagers’ health and welfare and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Meals provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• 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