French Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The French Summer Camp Junior Counselor supports an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Working with experienced counselors and staff, the junior counselor helps lead games, activities, and cultural experiences and contributes to a welcoming camp community. The position is intended for high school students ages 16–17 who want to develop leadership skills, build relationships, share their interest in language and culture, and gain work experience.

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 shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $165 per week.

Requirements

• Complete two years of language study or equivalent.
• Have broad knowledge of French-language culture and activities.
• 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.
• Be at least 18 years old if not a United States citizen.
• Complete applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working with children.
• Previous attendance at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

Responsibilities

• Speak French 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 build 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 and hygienic environment.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including using the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and read the Staff Handbook and other provided materials before arriving at the Village.
• Attend orientation before the first session, help set up and maintain the Village, and assist with preparation for the next session.
• Live in assigned community housing and use shared bathroom facilities.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, use good judgment, and support 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED