Swedish 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. Working with other staff, you will lead activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and foster a welcoming camp community. Activities include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, lessons, and everyday Village life. The position is seasonal, temporary, and full-time for the summer 2027 employment period in Bemidji, Minnesota. Residential counselors work 14–16 hours per day, may work up to seven days per week, and have overnight supervision responsibilities. The minimum salary is $325 per week.

Counselors speak Swedish with villagers and staff as much as possible, teach language through activities and interactive lessons, and participate in meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings. Counselors live in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team, provide supervision, lead cabin and group activities, help maintain a safe and hygienic site, and model appropriate behavior and target-language use.

The role requires participation in orientation and Village setup, ongoing maintenance, and cleanup after the final session. Staff live in gender-assigned community housing and use shared bathroom areas with private shower and toilet stalls. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency, as well as broad knowledge of the language's culture and activities.

Requirements

• Completed two years of language study or have equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities of the language.
• 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 collaboratively and establish appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to manage personal needs and exercise good judgment in support of a youth-centered program.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working with children.
• Previous attendance or work experience at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.
• Enthusiasm, initiative, creativity, and willingness to learn.
• Interest in language, culture, and helping young people explore new perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Speak Swedish 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 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, including overnight residential supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, and other parts of the Village site.
• Model desired behavior for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Attend orientation and assist with setting up the Village, preparing for subsequent sessions, and maintaining the Village.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.
• Follow personnel policies and the responsibilities assigned to the position.

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