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The differences between activities aides and day camp counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an activities aide and a day camp counselor. Additionally, a day camp counselor has an average salary of $29,384, which is higher than the $27,892 average annual salary of an activities aide.
The top three skills for an activities aide include patients, rehabilitation and PET. The most important skills for a day camp counselor are CPR, kids, and cleanliness.
| Activities Aide | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $27,892 | $29,384 |
| Hourly rate | $13.41 | $14.13 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 41,842 | 32,895 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An activity aide is responsible for facilitating recreation activities under the supervision of a recreation leader within nursing homes or other related institutions. Activity aides ensure the adequacy of resources and supplies according to the activity's instructions and budget limitations. They also reiterate the safety protocols and guidelines to the participants, as well as conducting inspections of the facilities to prevent potential hazards. An activity aide must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports and escalating concerns for immediate resolution.
The job of the camp counselors is to develop recreational plans and oversee camp activities in residential camps. Their duties and responsibilities include organizing camping trips, planning and scheduling group activities, and guiding children and teenagers in various outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. They are expected to lead campers in emergency procedures and fire drills, explain safety rules and procedures, and provide emotional support to campers. Camp counselors are also responsible for assessing and responding to emergencies when they arise.
Activities aides and day camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Activities Aide | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $27,892 | $29,384 |
| Salary range | Between $21,000 And $35,000 | Between $19,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Guilderland, NY | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York | City of Portland |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Education |
There are a few differences between an activities aide and a day camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Activities Aide | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Minnesota State University - Mankato | Duke University |
Here are the differences between activities aides' and day camp counselors' demographics:
| Activities Aide | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.2% Female, 82.8% | Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 12.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |