French Voyageur Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The French Voyageur Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Working with a team, the counselor leads activities, introduces villagers to French language and cultural traditions, and helps foster a welcoming and supportive camp community. Activities may include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, and everyday Village life.

The position is seasonal and temporary, based in Bemidji, Minnesota, during Summer 2027. Residential counselors work 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision responsibilities, and may work up to seven days per week. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and contribute to the operation and upkeep of the Village. The minimum salary is $325 per week.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the 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 establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, manage personal needs, and interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.
• Applicants who are not United States citizens must be at least 18 years old to be considered for a staff position.

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 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 villagers and the counseling team with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other Village spaces.
• Model desired behavior for villagers, including target-language use.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and become familiar with responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and assist with Village setup, preparation for the next session, and maintenance during sessions.
• Live in assigned community housing and use shared bathroom facilities as applicable.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, exercise 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: No Education Listed