Norwegian Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

3d • 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 from around the world. Working with a team of staff, you will lead activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and help foster a welcoming, supportive camp community. Activities 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 for Summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. The schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential workdays of 14–16 hours plus overnight supervision responsibilities. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and participate in the full range of Village activities and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities of the language.
• 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 collaboratively and establish appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out job responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to manage personal needs and exercise good judgment in support of a youth-centered program.
• Sensitivity to social and cultural diversity and to villagers' health and welfare.

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, the target language, with 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 create 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 parts of the Village site.
• 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 setting up, maintaining, and preparing the Village for sessions.
• 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
• Education Level: No Education Listed