Little Gate Camp Lead Counselor

Little Gate Camp Lead Counselor

Louise S. McGehee School, founded in 1912, is an Independent Pre‑K‑12 all‑girls school located in the historic Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Louise S. McGehee School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is open to all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected class.

Little Gate Camp is a Reggio‑inspired summer program for children ages 1‑4, running over eight weeks in June and July. We seek energetic and enthusiastic Lead Counselors to cultivate a joyful, safe, and curiosity‑driven environment.

A Lead Counselor guides daily experiences, supports children’s emerging interests, models high‑quality interactions, and works closely with an Assistant Counselor and Camp Directors to plan and execute weekly themes and daily operations.

• Facilitate daily explorations rooted in children’s interests, weekly themes, and the natural environment.
• Lead daily morning gatherings that invite dialogue, collaborative thinking, and hands‑on exploration.
• Integrate art, storytelling, sensory play, outdoor learning, water play, and loose‑parts exploration.
• Observe children’s play and questions to inform planning and support shared discovery.
• Build warm, responsive relationships with children and families.
• Model respectful communication, co‑regulation, and positive guidance.
• Support emerging social skills, conflict negotiation, emotional expression, and independence.
• Foster a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and belonging.
• Guide and mentor the Assistant Counselor through clear communication and shared expectations.
• Delegate tasks thoughtfully and provide constructive feedback when needed.
• Participate in daily team reflections and planning.
• Communicate professionally with families and keep Camp Directors informed of camper needs or concerns.
• Ensure constant supervision and maintain awareness of children’s locations and engagement.
• Manage transitions, attendance, and routines with attention to detail.
• Follow all licensing guidelines, safety procedures, and camp policies.
• Promote a safe emotional environment through positive behavior support and timely redirection.
• Use Seesaw/Brightwheel as directed for communication and documentation.

• CDA, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or a related field.
• Ability to pass background checks and complete required licensing training.
• Genuine passion for working with young children.
• Strong communication skills with children, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to collaborate, take direction, and contribute to a positive environment.
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.

• Experience in play‑based or Reggio‑inspired settings.
• Experience with Seesaw, Brightwheel, or similar platforms.

• Frequent outdoor work in summer heat and humidity.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to sit, kneel, bend, or squat at child level.
• Ability to respond quickly to physical and behavioral needs.
• Stamina to maintain energy and focus throughout a camp day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs to shoulder height and 50 lbs to waist height, climb stairs, and move around a large campus.
• Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodations.