Russian Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Russian Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages. Working with other staff, the counselor leads activities, introduces villagers to Russian language and cultural traditions, and helps build a welcoming and supportive camp community. Activities include games, outdoor activities, music, art, interactive lessons, and participation in everyday Village life.

The counselor lives in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provides supervision, including overnight residential supervision. The role also includes participating in meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings; helping maintain a safe and hygienic site; and modeling positive behavior and use of the target language.

This is a seasonal, temporary, full-time position for Summer 2027 in Bemidji, Minnesota. The general schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential work of 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision. Minimum salary is $325 per week.

Requirements

• Completed two years of Russian language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Russian culture and activities.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy communal environment.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to live in community housing and use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender.
• For applicants who are not U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age is required for consideration.

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 Russian 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 with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other parts of the Village site alongside villagers and the counseling team.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Read and 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.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, exercise good judgment, and support villagers’ health and welfare.

Benefits

• Housing provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• Meals provided during residential employment, depending on the position.
• 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