Swedish Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Swedish Summer Camp Junior Counselor at Concordia Language Villages helps 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. The position is intended for high school students ages 16–17 who want to develop leadership skills, share their interest in language and culture, and gain work experience.

The role is seasonal, temporary, and full-time during 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 provide overnight supervision while living in a cabin with villagers and the counseling team. The position includes participation in Village life, such as meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings, as well as light cleaning and support for the safety and wellbeing of villagers.

Requirements

• Complete two years of language study or equivalent.
• Have broad knowledge of the culture and activities associated with the target language.
• Be at least 16 years old and have completed junior year of high school.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to model those skills for younger children.
• Demonstrate maturity and good judgment.
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children.
• Be adaptable in changing situations.
• Be at least 18 years old to be considered for a staff position if not a United States citizen.
• Have emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to perform responsibilities in a busy, noisy, communal environment.
• Be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, exercise good judgment, manage personal needs, interact effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and maintain appropriate boundaries.

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, to help maintain a safe, hygienic space.
• Model desired behaviors for villagers, including use of the target language.
• Follow personnel policies and become familiar with the responsibilities for the assigned area.
• Attend orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement.
• 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 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: High school or GED