Russian Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Russian Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota. Working with other staff, the counselor leads activities, introduces participants to Russian language and cultural traditions, and fosters a welcoming and supportive camp community. The role includes participating in games, outdoor activities, music, art, lessons, meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.

Counselors live in a cabin with participants as part of a counseling team and provide supervision, including overnight residential responsibilities. They help maintain a safe and hygienic Village site, model appropriate behavior and target-language use, and contribute to setup, preparation, and cleanup throughout the session. The position is seasonal, temporary, full-time, and takes place during Summer 2027. The schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 14–16 hours per day, plus overnight supervision.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of Russian 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 function with emotional resiliency and cognitive capacity in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries, interact respectfully across social and cultural diversity, and manage personal needs while maintaining a youth-centered program.

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 children (villagers) and other staff members as much as possible.
• Teach language through activities such as art, sports, traditional culture, and interactive lessons.
• Participate in all aspects of 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 the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, to maintain a safe and hygienic space.
• Model desired behaviors 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 setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village during the session.
• 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