Japanese Summer Camp Counselor

Concordia College; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 13,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Paid training

Tuition discounts

Professional development

Visa sponsorship (J-1)

Job summary

Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, seeks a Japanese Summer Camp Counselor to create immersive language and cultural experiences for youth. You’ll lead language activities, model the target language, and foster a welcoming camp community with a dedicated team of staff.

You’ll supervise residents in a cabin setting, participate in meals and evening programs, and support safety and inclusivity for villagers from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Completed two years of language study or equivalent fluency.
• Broad knowledge of the culture and activities of the language.
• At least 18 years of age.
• One year experience working with children.
• Previous attendance or work at Concordia Language Villages or another summer camp.

Responsibilities

• Speak the target language with children (“villagers”) and other staff members as much as possible
• Teach language through activities (art, sports,traditional culture) and interactive lessons
• Participate in all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times,evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Lead games, Cabin Council and other activities to create a cabincommunity.
• Live in a cabin with villagers, as part of a counseling team, to provide supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site (including cabins,bathrooms, activity areas, etc.) with villagers and counseling team to ensure asafe, hygienic space for everyone.
• Be a positive role model for desired behaviors among villagers,including the use of target language.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Judgment

Adaptability

Education

Language study fluency

Culture knowledge

Age requirement 18+

One year experience with children

Previous CLV/camp experience

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 Human Resources Home Page.

Position Details

Position Title: Japanese Summer Camp 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: $325/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 Counselor at Concordia Language Villages, you'll help create an immersive language and cultural experience for young people from around the world. Working alongside a team of dedicated staff, you'll lead engaging activities, introduce villagers to language and cultural traditions, and help foster a welcoming, supportive camp community. From games and outdoor adventures to music, art, and everyday Village life, you'll play an important role in helping participants build language skills, develop friendships, and explore new perspectives.

What You'll Do

• Speak the target language with children (“villagers”) and other staff members as much as possible
• Teach language through activities (art, sports,traditional culture) and interactive lessons
• Participate in all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times,evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Lead games, Cabin Council and other activities to create a cabincommunity.
• Live in a cabin with villagers, as part of a counseling team, to provide supervision.
• Assist with light cleaning of the Village site (including cabins,bathrooms, activity areas, etc.) with villagers and counseling team to ensure asafe, 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, adaptable individuals who are passionate about language, culture, and working with young people. Successful counselors bring strong communication skills, creativity, good judgment, and a willingness to participate fully in a collaborative, residential camp environment.

Whether you're an experienced camp counselor or exploring a new opportunity to share your language skills and cultural knowledge, we encourage you to apply!

Required Education & Experience

• 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

Preferred Education & Experience

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

Required Skills and Abilities

Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
• Maturity and 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.