Concordia Language Villages is a university-operated, ACA-accredited sleepaway and day camp in Bemidji, Minnesota, focused on language immersion for ages 6 to 18, and it has run since 1961. Campers live in language-specific "Villages" with a 1:3 staff ratio and a mix of games, arts, sports, cooking, archery, canoeing, STEM, and fencing on Turtle River Lake. Sessions range from one week to multi-week programs, including family weeks and a dual-credit option for high schoolers.
Photos
Photos from Concordia Language Villages’s own website and materials.
Videos
Videos from the camp’s own website, played from YouTube or Vimeo.
- Children interested in learning a language through full immersion rather than a traditional activity camp
- First-time or younger campers who aren't ready for a long stay away from home
- Families who want to attend camp together with their children
- Devices stay home or are checked at the gate; phones are returned only briefly for four-week campers
- Tuition isn't the whole cost — transportation, bedding/towels, study materials, and non-refundable registration fees are extra
- Cancellation terms tighten at 90 days, when 50% becomes non-refundable and full payment is due a month out
2027 sessions and prices
| Session | Dates | Price | Per week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Youth One Week1 week · Ages 8 - 12 · lowest weekly price | Jun 14 – Jun 19 | $1,290 | $1,505 | Open |
| Session | Jun 21 – Jun 26 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jun 21 – Jun 26 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jun 21 – Jun 26 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jun 21 – Jun 26 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jun 21 – Jul 3 | – | – | Ask |
| German Dual Credit4 weeks · Grades 10th - 12th | Jun 21 – Jul 17 | $6,485 | $1,681 | Open |
Winter camp
| Session | Dates | Price | Per week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session | Dec 4 – Dec 6 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jan 15 – Jan 18 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jan 15 – Jan 18 | – | – | Ask |
| Session | Jan 15 – Jan 18 | – | – | Ask |
What it really costs
Fees we could read from the camp’s fee list are added. Travel, gear and optional trips are not.
Activities
Camp life
Getting there
Straight-line distance. Driving is usually 20–30% longer.
What families say
★ 4.4 on Google · 77 reviewsReviews from parents and campers describe language immersion experiences across Norwegian, Spanish, French, and German camps. They praise the food, friendly teachers and counselors, and the North Woods lake setting. Some families also value the intergenerational and community aspects of camp.
- Language immersion 4 of 4
- Good food 3 of 4
- Friendly staff 2 of 4
- North Woods setting 3 of 4
- Family and community 2 of 4
“We attended French Camp in Aug 2023, as a 3 generation family. It was wonderful!! We bunked with another 3 generation family and had a great time!! The kids and the grown-ups got along well!! We made some connections with other families, too. Lots…”
“I look forward to the adult Spanish immersion week every fall. Really good food, helpful and friendly counselors, and set on a North Woods lake.”
4 family reviews
“I look forward to the adult Spanish immersion week every fall. Really good food, helpful and friendly counselors, and set on a North Woods lake.”
“I had a transformative experience as a student at the German camp. Very few places have impacted my life so positively and in such an enduring way.”
“We attended French Camp in Aug 2023, as a 3 generation family. It was wonderful!! We bunked with another 3 generation family and had a great time!! The kids and the grown-ups got along well!! We made some connections with other families, too. Lots of activities, enough down- time for the kids, and enough space both in and outside the cabins!! Great French food, cooked by a French chef-- not super fancy, but delicious. Good classes !!”
“As children and adults, my family has attended CLV camps since 2012. The camps and villages are are part of our family and we treasure the moments that we spend learning languages in the North Woods of Minnesota. The teachers are kind, patient, and warmly welcome all into the villages. We first started at the Norwegian village being 4 humans that could not speak a word of Norwegian. Now, two are fluent and two can show up for breakfast on time. 🤣 My kids count down the days until they can return to camp. Ps: The food is incredible!!!”
In the news
Questions about Concordia Language Villages
How much does Concordia Language Villages cost in 2027?
2027 tuition at Concordia Language Villages runs from $1,290 (German Youth One Week, 1 week) to $6,485 (German Dual Credit). The lowest weekly price is $1,505. Extra fees: Transportation, bedding/towels, study materials; registration/processing fees non-refundable.
What ages does Concordia Language Villages take?
Concordia Language Villages takes campers from 6 to 18.
When are the 2027 sessions at Concordia Language Villages?
German Youth One Week: Jun 14 to Jun 19. German Dual Credit: Jun 21 to Jul 17. None: Jun 21 to Jun 26. None: Jun 21 to Jun 26. None: Jun 21 to Jun 26. None: Jun 21 to Jun 26.
Does Concordia Language Villages run a winter camp?
Yes. Concordia Language Villages also runs winter sessions: Winter session: Dec 4, 2026 to Dec 6. Winter session: Jan 15, 2027 to Jan 18. Winter session: Jan 15, 2027 to Jan 18. Winter session: Jan 15, 2027 to Jan 18.
Can campers bring phones?
All electronic devices must be left at home or checked at the Village gate; four-week villagers receive their phone for a limited time mid-program.
Is Concordia Language Villages ACA accredited?
Yes. Concordia Language Villages is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Is it good for first-time campers?
One-week programs suit campers not ready for longer stays away from home.
What is the refund policy?
Full refund less non-refundable registration/processing fees if canceled before 90 days; 50% due at 90 days and non-refundable; full payment one month prior.
Is financial aid available?
Need-based Passport Fund scholarships and Minnesota Office of Higher Education stipends.
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