Swedish Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Swedish Summer Camp Counselor helps create an immersive Swedish language and cultural experience for young people. Working with other staff, the counselor leads activities, introduces villagers to language and cultural traditions, and helps foster a welcoming and supportive camp community. Activities may include games, outdoor adventures, music, art, interactive lessons, and everyday Village life. The counselor lives in a cabin with villagers as part of a counseling team and provides supervision. The role is seasonal, temporary, full-time, and residential in Bemidji, Minnesota, during Summer 2027. The residential schedule may be up to seven days per week, with 14–16 hours per day plus overnight supervision responsibilities.

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 establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries.
• Emotional resiliency and cognitive ability to carry out responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage personal needs to maintain a youth-centered program.
• Interpersonal skills 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.

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language 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.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site, including cabins, bathrooms, and activity areas, with villagers and the counseling team.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Abide by applicable personnel policies and become familiar with responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend designated staff orientation before the first session.
• 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.
• Model appropriate behavior, maintain professional boundaries, and be sensitive to villagers' health and welfare.

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