Portuguese Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Portuguese Summer Camp Junior Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, helping 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 who want to develop leadership skills and gain work experience.

The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time for the summer 2027 program. Residential work may involve up to seven days per week, 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision. The general employment period is summer 2027, with program dates from June 7 through July 18, 2027, and staff orientation from June 7 through June 13, 2027. Minimum salary is $165 per week.

Junior counselors live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team, helping provide overnight supervision and participating in the daily life of the Village. Seasonal perks may include housing and meals during residential employment, paid training and orientation, applicable tuition discounts for children attending Concordia Language Villages, professional development, intercultural learning and language immersion opportunities, and J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Must have completed two years of language study or equivalent, with broad knowledge of the target language’s culture and activities.
• Must be at least 16 years old and have completed junior year of high school.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to model them for younger children.
• Must demonstrate maturity and good judgment.
• Must enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Must be adaptable to changing situations.
• Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for a staff position if not a United States citizen.
• Must be able to function with emotional resiliency and cognitive ability in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Must be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, exercise good judgment, manage personal needs, and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Must 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 Portuguese 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 help 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 to provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, to maintain a safe and hygienic space.
• Model desired behavior for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area, and review staff materials before arriving at the Village.
• Attend orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village during the session.
• Model behavior standards and be sensitive to villagers’ health and welfare.
• 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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed