French Voyageur Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Summer Camp Counselor at Concordia Language Villages, you will help create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people from around the world. Working with a team, you will lead 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. The position is seasonal and temporary, based in Bemidji, Minnesota, for summer 2027. Residential counselors live in a cabin with villagers and work up to seven days per week, with shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities.

Counselors are expected to speak French with villagers and staff as much as possible, participate in Village activities and staff meetings, and help maintain a safe and hygienic environment. The role requires participating fully in community living and modeling appropriate behavior while supporting the health, welfare, language learning, and cultural exploration of young people.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the language.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Emotional resilience 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 while maintaining a youth-centered program.
• At least 18 years of age if not a United States citizen.

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 the target language with children (“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 create 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, with villagers and the counseling team.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Become familiar with and follow Personnel Policies and the responsibilities of the assigned area.
• Read the Staff Handbook and other 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 community housing arrangements assigned according to gender and use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender.
• Model standards for behavior and remain sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

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