Break Camp Lead Counselor

Description:

About McGehee School:

Louise S. McGehee School, founded in 1912, is an Independent PreK-12th all-girls school located in the historic Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans. 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 other applicable protected classification. For more information, please visit www.mcgeheeschool.com.

About Our Break Camps:

Our Break Camps create an exciting, joyful, and inclusive experience that brings together children from all over New Orleans in grades PreK to 7th grade for a week filled with creativity, play, and connection. Campers explore hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, art, games, and collaborative challenges designed to spark curiosity and build confidence at every age. With caring counselors and a welcoming community, children are encouraged to be themselves, make new friends, and discover new interests in a safe, supportive environment. Each day is filled with laughter, exploration, and meaningful moments that make breaks both memorable and fun.

Position Description McGehee is offering a Spring Break camp open to students in PreK to 7th grade in the broader New Orleans community from April 6th - April 10th. Lead Counselors are expected to work from 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM. We are currently recruiting Lead Counselors available to work all five days of camp.

As a Lead Counselor, you’ll spend your days guiding a small group of campers through playful, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. You’ll be a steady, enthusiastic presence as campers explore art projects, outdoor games, team challenges, and imaginative storytelling designed to match their age and interests.

Each Lead Counselor is paired with an Assistant Counselor to oversee a group of approximately eleven to fifteen campers, depending on age. Activities are intentionally structured yet flexible, allowing campers from Pre-K to 7th grade to explore, collaborate, and build confidence in a supportive environment. You may be assigned a Junior Counselor depending on the size and age of your campers.

You’ll be supported by our Break Camp Coordinator, who develops weekly themes, organizes daily schedules and assists with the behind-the-scenes logistics so you can focus on your campers. You’ll also collaborate with a close-knit team of educators who value creativity, reflection, and the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of meaningful ideas.

As a Lead Counselor, you’re more than a supervisor—you’re a mentor, role model, and facilitator of memorable break experiences that help campers learn, play, and grow together.

Requirements:

Essential Functions:

• Oversee safety and supervision, ensuring all children are accounted for, engaged, and supported during transitions, outdoor play, and indoor activities.
• Lead the class with calm confidence, providing consistent boundaries, encouraging positive behavior, and supporting group cooperation through positive guidance.

Delegate tasks to the Assistant Counselor and Junior Counselor, providing clear direction, support, and constructive feedback as needed. Foster a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment by modeling warm, respectful interactions and building strong trusting relationships with campers and staff.

• Communicate effectively with families, fellow counselors, and campers.

Keep the Break Camp Coordinator informed of any camper concerns or notable observations.

• Monitor camper behavior and step in to guide or redirect as needed, always promoting a safe and respectful environment.
• Maintain awareness of campers’ locations and well-being throughout the day.
• Follow licensing procedures at all times.

Attend all required training sessions and complete certification courses as required.

Qualifications & Experience:

Child Development Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields. (Required) Ability to pass background checks and complete licensing training. (Required) Genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their social, emotional, and developmental growth. (Required) Strong communication skills, including respectful and professional interactions with children, families, and coworkers. (Required)

Ability to collaborate with a team, take direction, and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment. (Required)

• Demonstrate organizational skills, as well as professional written and oral skills. (Required)

Experience working with children in a group setting (Preferred):

Experience using CampBrain (Preferred):

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Able to frequently work outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods throughout the day. Frequently moves around outdoor play spaces and activity areas; must be able to position oneself at child level (e.g., sitting, kneeling, or squatting on the ground).

Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to a variety of physical and behavioral situations involving children. Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height; must be able to bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, sit on the ground, and move about a large campus.

Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.