Norwegian Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Norwegian Summer Camp Junior Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, during Summer 2027. The role offers high school students ages 16–17 hands-on experience supporting an immersive language and cultural experience for young people. Working with experienced counselors and staff, junior counselors help lead games, activities, and cultural experiences and contribute to a welcoming camp community.

This is seasonal, temporary, full-time employment. Residential counselors work 14–16 hours per day, may work up to seven days per week, and have overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $165 per week. Residential employment may include housing and meals, and the position includes participation in village life and communal living arrangements.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent, with 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 the 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.
• 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 support of a youth-centered program.
• Ability 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.

Responsibilities

• Speak Norwegian with children (“villagers”) and staff 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 and provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other parts of the Village site.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including using the target language.
• Follow personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area; review the Staff Handbook and other materials before arrival.
• Attend designated orientation before the first session.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village during the session.
• Live in assigned community housing and use shared bathroom facilities.
• 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