Norwegian Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Norwegian Summer Camp Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, during Summer 2027. The counselor helps create an immersive Norwegian language and cultural experience for young people by speaking Norwegian with villagers and staff, teaching language through activities and interactive lessons, and supporting a welcoming camp community. The role is seasonal, temporary, full-time, and residential, with a minimum salary of $325 per week. The general schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 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 all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings. They help maintain a safe and hygienic site, model appropriate behavior and use of the target language, and contribute to setup, preparation, and cleanup. The position requires maturity, adaptability, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to work respectfully with children and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Norwegian 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 residential environment and carry out job responsibilities with emotional resiliency and cognitive ability.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, interact effectively with individuals and groups, and respect social and cultural diversity.
• At least 18 years of age to be considered if not a United States citizen; staff applicants who are U.S. citizens must be at least 16.

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 Norwegian 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 build a cabin community.
• Live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provide supervision, including overnight residential 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 read materials and responsibilities relevant to 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 throughout the session.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, use good judgment, and support the health and welfare of villagers.

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