Summer Job for Russian-Speaking Guitar Player - and more!

Lesnoe Ozero, Concordia Language Villages’ summer Russian immersion program for kids ages 7-18 in northern Minnesota, is currently hiring for ONE counselor position, ideally for someone at the advanced high-native speaker range. This person MUST be able to play guitar well enough to accompany a song leader (or be a song leader) for large-group song time. Repertoire of Russian-language songs is preferable but not necessary for a candidate who can learn new songs quickly - camp songbook will be provided upon hire. We are able to sponsor J1 camp counselor visas as well as provide OPT experiences for students on F1 student visas in relevant areas. Counselors teach Russian language and/or culture in an informal program with extensive mentoring and support; lead "camp"-type activities (canoeing, art, etc.); supervise cabins; and help with activities of daily life, such as site setup, cleaning shared spaces, and a daily shift helping in the kitchen. These positions do not require teaching experience, as we expect to provide these staff with intensive training, a very thorough curriculum, and in-service support. These positions are appropriate for those with abundant energy, love of living in nature, and a dedication to and background in work with children and teens. The dates for this position are July 13-August 16.  Candidates should apply for the position of “counselor” and indicate guitar under “skills/licensure.” Please feel free to forward this email, and if there are any questions, please pass along my email: ravitch@cord.edu 

In addition to this position, we may have some spots available for Culinary Arts Staff, which are open to any level of language proficiency. The dates for these positions are also July 13-August 16. Staff will receive a week of training in food preparation specific to the cuisines of the Russian-speaking world and then be responsible for preparing the food under the supervision of the Village Chef. The language of the kitchen is English, but Culinary Arts staff are welcome to participate in the language immersion community when they are not cooking, which, given that it is a residential program, can easily be 4-5 hours/day. Those who need work for the whole summer can indicate availability for one of the languages that runs in June, as well as the Russian village, for a full summer of employment. Interested candidates can access complete hiring information for the language villages on our website. 

We also welcome Volunteer Interns, July 13 - August 2, August 9, or August 16 - all levels of proficiency. Volunteers will receive a week of orientation, including training in language teaching, camp counseling, and language training specific to their area of volunteer responsibility (e.g. leading gardening activities, working in our camp cafe, etc.) They will then spend part of the day leading activities in their area of volunteer responsibility and the rest of the day assisting regular staff in language classes, and being immersed in Russian language. Volunteers should be at least 18yo and have completed a year of college or the equivalent. Interested applicants should email me directly at ravitch@cord.edu

For those of you who are familiar with my typical announcements, we anticipate that we will fill all of our High School Credit Teacher position with returning staff, although we are accepting new applications, as things may change based on enrollment.

For all positions, room, board, and transportation from the Minneapolis airport to the program in Bemidji, MN are included, but staff/volunteers are responsible for their own travel to the Minneapolis airport.