Italian Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Italian Summer Camp Junior Counselor supports an immersive Italian 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 contributing to a welcoming camp community. The role is intended for high school students ages 16–17 seeking to develop leadership skills and gain summer work experience.

The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time during summer 2027. Residential counselors may work up to seven days per week, for 14–16 hours per day, and have overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $165 per week. Residential employment includes housing and meals, and the seasonal program may also include paid training and orientation, tuition discounts for eligible children, professional development, intercultural learning, language immersion, and J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent.
• Broad knowledge of the target language’s culture and activities.
• At least 16 years old 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 work as part of a team and learn.
• At least 18 years old if not a United States citizen.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to perform 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 in support of a youth-centered program.
• Interpersonal skills 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.
• Experience as a former villager is welcomed but not required.

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible.
• Co-teach language through activities such as art, sports, and traditional culture, with assistance from other staff.
• 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 and provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and learn the responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session, as designated by the staff agreement.
• Help set up the Village, prepare for the next session, and maintain the Village during the session.
• 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.
• Model appropriate behavior and be attentive to 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: High school or GED