German Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The German Summer Camp Junior Counselor supports an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, the junior counselor helps lead games, activities, and cultural experiences while fostering a welcoming camp community. The position is intended for high school students ages 16–17 and provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, build friendships, share an 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. Residential employment may include provided housing and meals. Junior counselors must speak German with villagers and staff as much as possible, participate in Village life, and live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team for overnight supervision.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent, with broad knowledge of German culture and activities.
• At least 16 years of age and completed junior year of high school.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to model them for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
• Ability to speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, exercise good judgment, and manage personal needs in a youth-centered program.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.
• At least 18 years of age if not a United States citizen.
• Applicants must provide contact information for at least two professional references before an employment offer is made.
• Successful completion of 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.
• Former participation as a villager.

Responsibilities

• Speak German 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 villagers and the counseling team with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other Village spaces.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session and help set up the Village, prepare for the next session, and maintain the Village during the session.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Meals provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• 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