Norwegian Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Norwegian Summer Camp Junior Counselor at Concordia Language Villages helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, the junior counselor helps lead games, activities, and cultural experiences while supporting a welcoming camp community. The role is intended for high school students ages 16–17 seeking leadership development and meaningful work experience in a summer camp environment.

The counselor speaks Norwegian with children and staff as much as possible, assists with language instruction through activities, and co-leads games and cabin activities. Counselors participate in Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings. Residential duties include living in a cabin with participants and the counseling team to provide overnight supervision, and helping maintain a safe, hygienic environment through light cleaning.

The position is seasonal, temporary, full-time, and residential in Bemidji, Minnesota. The general employment period is Summer 2027, with program dates June 7–July 25, 2027, and staff orientation June 7–13, 2027. The schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision. Minimum salary is $165 per week. Staff must remain one day after their final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the target language.
• At least 16 years of age 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to perform responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.
• Applicants who are not United States citizens must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a staff position.
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.
• Provide contact information for at least two professional references before an employment offer is made.

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.

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language with children (“villagers”) and other staff members 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 all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team to 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.
• Help set up the Village, prepare for the next session, and maintain the Village throughout the session.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend staff orientation before the first session and remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior and be attentive to the health and welfare of villagers.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, exercise good judgment, and manage personal needs in support of a youth-centered program.

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