Spanish Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Spanish Summer Camp Junior Counselor works at Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, 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. This position is intended for high school students ages 16–17 who want to develop leadership skills, build friendships, share an interest in language and culture, and gain work experience.

The role is residential and includes living in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team, providing overnight supervision, and participating in village life. The general employment period is summer 2027. The schedule may be up to seven days per week, with residential shifts of 14–16 hours per day in addition to overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $165 per week.

Junior Counselors are expected to speak Spanish with villagers and staff as much as possible, contribute to language and cultural activities, and model positive behavior. The position also includes light cleaning and other community-living responsibilities. General staff responsibilities include attending orientation, helping set up and maintain the Village, remaining one day after the final session for cleanup and evaluation, and following applicable policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent.
• Broad knowledge of Spanish-language culture and activities.
• 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 those skills for younger children.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Adaptability in changing situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy communal environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs while maintaining a youth-centered program.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.
• At least 18 years of age if not a United States citizen.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working with children.
• Previous attendance at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

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 Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Live in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team and provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, with villagers and the counseling team.
• Serve as a positive role model for desired behaviors, including use of the target language.
• Follow applicable personnel policies and read the responsibilities and materials for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement.
• Help set up the Village, prepare for the next session, and maintain the Village throughout the session.
• Model appropriate behavior 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, 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: High school or GED