Arabic Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Concordia College; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 8,200 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Paid training

Tuition discounts

Professional development

J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship

Job summary

Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, is seeking a Summer Camp Junior Counselor in Bemidji, MN. You will help lead language-rich activities and cultural experiences for young participants in a residential camp setting.

This role is ideal for high school students aged 16–17 who want to develop leadership skills, language proficiency, and teamwork while supporting a welcoming camp community this summer.

Qualifications

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent; broad knowledge of target language.
• Turned at least 16 years of age and completed junior year of high school.
• Eligible to work in United States.
• One year of experience working with children (preferred).
• Previous attendance at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible.
• Co-teach language through activities (art, sports, traditional culture) with assistance from other staff.
• Co-lead games, cabin council and other activities to create a cabin community.
• Participate in all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times, program, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Live in a cabin with villagers, with the counseling team, to provide overnight supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site with villagers and counseling team to ensure a safe, hygienic space.
• Be a positive role model for desired behaviors among villagers, including the use of target language.

Skills

Two years language study

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Two years language study or equivalent

Job description

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail] or 218-299-3339, or visit Human Resources Home Page.

Position Details

Position Title: Arabic Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota

Employment Type: Seasonal Recreation Exempt, Temporary, Full-time

General Employment Period: Summer 2027

General Work Schedule: Up to seven days per week

General Shift Hours: Residential: 14 - 16 hours per day, plus overnight residential supervision responsibilities

Minimum Salary: $165/week

Position Opening Date: 11/6/2026

Screening Begins: 12/1/2026

Open Until Filled?: Yes

Why Concordia Language Villages?

At Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, your work contributes to something bigger. Every role plays a part in creating immersive experiences that inspire curiosity, build connections across cultures, and prepare people to engage thoughtfully with the world.

Here, you'll join a collaborative community where your contributions are valued, and your work can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants.

About the Role

Position Overview

As a Summer Camp Junior Counselor at Concordia Language Villages, you'll gain valuable hands‑on experience while helping create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people. Working alongside experienced counselors and staff, you'll help lead games, activities, and cultural experiences while supporting a welcoming and engaging camp community.

This is a great opportunity for high school students ages 16–17 to develop leadership skills, build friendships, share your passion for language and culture, and gain meaningful work experience in a unique summer camp environment.

What You'll Do

• Speak the target language with children("villagers") and other staff members as much as possible
• Co-teach language through activities (art, sports, traditional culture) with assistance from other staff members
• Co-lead games, Cabin Council and other activities to create a cabin community
• Participate in all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times, even program, cultural presentations, and staff meetings
• Live in a cabin with villagers, with the counseling team, to provide overnight supervision
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site (including cabins, bathrooms, activity areas, etc.) with villagers and counseling team to ensure a safe, hygienic space for everyone
• Be a positive role model for desired behaviors among villagers, including the use of target language

You’ll Thrive Here if You:

• Enjoy working collaboratively and building positive relationships with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Are adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, community-oriented environment.
• Take pride in contributing to a welcoming, supportive, and engaging experience for others.
• Bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
• Find meaning in helping others explore languages, cultures, and new perspectives.

General Responsibilities for All Positions

• Be familiar with and abide by specific policies set forth in the "Personnel Policies," which are designated by Concordia Language Villages administration and individual Village deans.
• Read and become familiar with the responsibilities for your specific area of assignment.
• After receiving your Staff Handbook and other material, read all the information carefully and thoroughly before arriving at the Village.
• Report to orientation prior to your first session as designated by your staff agreement.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
• Live in community living arrangements, assigned according to gender; nearly all positions include living and sleeping in a cabin or other housing unit with villagers (participants) of the same gender; positions that do not include living with villagers do include living with other staff members of the same gender.
• Be prepared to use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender; shower and toilet stalls are private but situated within common bathroom areas shared with other staff and villagers.
• Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.
• Remain one day after your final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation of the program.
• Be at least 16 years of age to be considered for a staff position.
• Be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a staff position if you are not a United States citizen.

Essential Functions of All Positions

• Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities specifically in the busy, noisy, communal environment that is the Village.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage your own needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups in respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Provision of essential functions helps assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

We're looking for enthusiastic, responsible young people who enjoy working with children and are excited to share their language skills and cultural knowledge. Successful junior counselors bring a positive attitude, strong communication skills, good judgment, and a willingness to learn and work as part of a team.

Whether you're a former villager or exploring your first summer job, we encourage you to apply!

Required Education & Experience

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent; broad knowledge of the culture and activities of the target language.
• Turned at least 16 years of age and completed junior year of high school
• Eligible to work in United States

Preferred Education & Experience

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

Required Skills and Abilities

Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to model those for younger children
• Maturity & good judgment
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children
• Adaptability in changing situations

Seasonal Perks

Seasonal employment at Concordia Language Villages offers opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and build meaningful connections with people from around the world.

Depending on the position, seasonal employment may include:

• 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 to Submit with Your Application

Complete the online application to be considered for this position. We encourage you to share details about your experience, skills, and interests to help our hiring teams get to know you and understand what you could bring to the team.

You are also welcome to include a resume, cover letter, or other supporting material that highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.

Additional Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants will be asked to provide contact information for at least two professional references before an offer of employment is made. References are not required at the time of initial application.

Employment Contingencies

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a criminal background check.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Concordia College does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status. The College is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562,218-299-3339.