French Voyageur Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The French Voyageur Summer Camp Junior Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, the junior counselor helps lead games, activities, and cultural experiences while supporting a welcoming camp community. The role is intended as a hands-on opportunity for high school students ages 16–17 to develop leadership skills, build friendships, share their interest in language and culture, and gain work experience.

This is seasonal, temporary, full-time residential work during summer 2027. The general schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities. Junior counselors live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team and participate in Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings. The minimum salary is $165 per week. Housing and meals are provided during residential employment, and training and orientation are paid.

The position requires speaking French with villagers and staff as much as possible, co-teaching language through activities, and helping maintain a safe and supportive cabin community. Junior counselors also assist with light cleaning and model appropriate behavior, including use of the target language. Applicants must be at least 16 and have completed junior year of high school, have completed two years of language study or equivalent, and be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the target language.
• At least 16 years of age and completed junior year of high school.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to model them for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
• 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 at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language 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 create 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 to provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, to help maintain a safe, hygienic space.
• Model desired behavior for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend designated orientation before the first session and help set up, prepare for, and maintain the Village throughout sessions.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior, be sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare, and maintain professional relationships and appropriate boundaries.

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