Japanese Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Japanese Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Counselors work with other staff to lead activities, introduce villagers to Japanese language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming and supportive camp community. Activities may include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, interactive lessons, and everyday Village life. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision, while modeling positive behavior and encouraging use of the target language.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position for Summer 2027, located in Bemidji, Minnesota. The work 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 $325 per week.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Japanese culture and activities.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Ability to work in a busy, noisy, communal environment and establish appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.

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 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 create a cabin community.
• Live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other Village spaces to help maintain a safe, hygienic environment.
• 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 assist with Village setup, session preparation, and maintenance.
• Live in assigned community housing and use shared bathroom facilities.
• Model appropriate behavior and be sensitive to villagers' health and welfare.
• 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