German Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • 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. Working with a team of staff, you will lead activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming and supportive camp community. Activities may include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, and everyday Village life, helping participants build language skills, develop friendships, and explore new perspectives.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position in Bemidji, Minnesota, for Summer 2027. Counselors may work up to seven days per week. Residential shifts are 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 the daily life of the Village.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities of the language.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Demonstrate adaptability in changing situations.
• Have the emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Be able to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs in support of a youth-centered program.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.

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 build a cabin community.
• Live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, to maintain a safe and hygienic space.
• Model desired behaviors 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.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
• Live in assigned community housing arrangements and use shared bathroom facilities.
• Model appropriate behavior, remain sensitive to villagers' health and welfare, and maintain professional boundaries.
• 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