Portuguese Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • 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 alongside a team of staff, you will lead engaging activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming, supportive camp community. Through games, outdoor activities, music, art, and everyday Village life, you will help participants build language skills, develop friendships, and explore new perspectives.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time residential position based in Bemidji, Minnesota, for Summer 2027. The general 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 equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Portuguese-language 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 carry out job responsibilities with emotional resiliency and cognitive ability.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Be at least 18 years old if not a United States citizen.

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 Portuguese 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.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, to help maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Model desired behavior 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 ongoing maintenance.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Model appropriate behavior, maintain professional relationships and boundaries, and support 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: No Education Listed