FPDS Under The Oaks Summer Camp Counselor

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL

A Ministry of First Presbyterian Church (PCA), Jackson, Mississippi

“Exceptional teaching while planting seeds of Christlikeness 

in the hearts of children”

Job Description for Under The Oaks Summer Camp Counselor (Seasonal, Full-Time)

OVERVIEW AND MISSION OF FPDS

First Presbyterian Day School is a private Christian school serving over 600 students from early childhood through Grade 6. Accredited by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, FPDS offers academic, fine arts, and sports programs. We are located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, MS. Believing that children are a heritage of the Lord, the mission of FPDS is:

• Planting seeds of Christlikeness in the hearts of children
• Pursuing excellence in academics
• Preparing students for future service In God’s kingdom in their homes, churches, and professions

If you are interested in working in a challenging, professional, Christian environment where you can teach from a Biblical perspective; where you are treated as a professional; where the school environment is enjoyable, disciplined, and conducive to teaching and learning; and where the pursuit of academic excellence for God's glory is a hallmark of the school, FPDS may be the school for you. Visit our website at www.fpds.org/mission-beliefs for more information on FPDS.

JOB SUMMARY

FPDS is seeking dedicated Under the Oaks Summer Camp Counselors (Seasonal, Full-Time) to assist our Director and teaching staff each day on a full-time basis. Under the Oaks (UTO) Camp Counselors, under the direction of the UTO Director, are responsible for providing safe, nurturing, and fun care for students in Preschool 3 through Grade 6, while creating a positive, Christ-centered environment. This role involves assisting teaching staff in a variety of activities, including but not limited to supervising students and leading recreational activities, all while encouraging the development of Bible-based social skills and modeling Christian values in the students. The main responsibility of counselors will be to work as a team to manage a classroom of students while participating in activities and following a rotation schedule.

JOB TYPE, SUPERVISION AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

This job is for full-time seasonal employment during the summer, for the period June 1, 2027, through July 23, 2027. UTO program hours are from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm daily, Monday through Friday. UTO counselor’s shifts last 8 hours each day and total 40 hours each week. Each UTO counselor’s shift will be assigned before the start of the program. The UTO staffing pattern is designed to meet the needs of the program while also considering reasonable work hours for staff. Due to the nature of this program lasting only eight weeks, time off must be requested and approved before taken. The job reports to the UTO Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mission: Reinforce the overarching purpose of the school, which is: Planting seeds of Christlikeness in the hearts of children, pursuing academic excellence, and preparing students for future service in God’s kingdom in their homes, churches, and professions to honor Christ, in every activity. Help enforce the school’s behavior and safety policies while maintaining a loving, Christ-centered atmosphere.
• Supervision: Supervise students in Preschool 3 through Grade 6 during UTO activities. Counselors will be assigned a specific group of children to lead through various daily activities. Activities counselors will lead are group games, independent play times, rotation transitions, and daily special subjects. Assist with set-up and clean-up after activities, ensuring spaces are left in good order for the next day.
• Discipline: Follow the school’s proactive redirection approach to ensure student conflict is avoided or resolved. Maintain order in classrooms and groups to foster an environment conducive to fun and learning.
• Safety: Ensure students’ safety at all times, both indoors and outdoors, by maintaining vigilance and following established protocols. Know the procedures for dealing with emergency situations. Complete all safety training and certifications to be in accordance with school requirements.
• Communication: Foster positive relationships with students, encouraging good behavior, kindness, and respect among them. Maintain open communication with the UTO Director regarding student behavior, notable incidents, and general atmosphere.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

At least once each summer the UTO Director will provide an assessment of each UTO counselot’s performance and conformity with the responsibilities and personal qualities required of the job. The assessment will identify areas of excellence, areas needing improvement, and progress on previously identified areas needing improvement. The results of the Director’s assessment will be filed in the UTO counselor’s performance file.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 
UTO counselors will be compensated on an hourly basis, payable at the end of each month. Schedules are made in 8 hour increments, and overtime should not be required. Counselors are not eligible for FPDS’s group benefits. The compensation rate for counselors will be $14 per hour, for 8 consecutive hours per day. FPDS will be closed in observance of July 4th on Monday, July 5, 2027.

REQUIRED PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Christian faith and daily walk: Have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, are a professing Christian, and are living out their faith on a daily basis. Believe and practice the Bible as God’s Word and standard for faith and daily living. Are in whole-hearted agreement with FPDS’s “Statement of Faith and Christian Philosophy of Education”. Are a member in good standing at a local, evangelical church.
• Christian character: Have the personal and spiritual maturity to lead by example, modeling Christ-like behavior toward staff and children. Demonstrate the character qualities of enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, humility, gratitude, kindness, gentleness, self-control, teachability, perseverance, and punctuality.
• Christian behavior: Use acceptable English when communicating with students, parents, and staff. Avoid offensive language. Maintain a personal appearance that is a Christian role model of cleanliness, modesty, good taste, and conforms with the school dress code policy for employees.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate reliability, attentiveness, and respect in all interactions with students, parents, and staff. Be on time and fully present for each shift, free from personal phone use and distractions while supervising students. Maintain appropriate boundaries with children, keep student and family information confidential (including on social media), and bring concerns to the UTO Director through proper channels.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Must be 17 years of age or older.
• Previous experience working with children in a school, after-school, or summer camp setting is required.
• Ability to interact positively and constructively with children, parents, and staff in a way that aligns with the school’s mission and values.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Affinity for working with others on a team in a professional environment.
• Ability to follow directions closely, as well as work independently where needed and as part of a team.
• Comfortability speaking with children about faith and biblical principles.

Salary : $14