Camp counselor vs recreation leader

The differences between camp counselors and recreation leaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a camp counselor and a recreation leader. Additionally, a recreation leader has an average salary of $30,040, which is higher than the $24,340 average annual salary of a camp counselor.

The top three skills for a camp counselor include kids, CPR and summer camps. The most important skills for a recreation leader are CPR, customer service, and recreation programs.

Camp counselor vs recreation leader overview

	Camp Counselor	Recreation Leader
Yearly salary	$24,340	$30,040
Hourly rate	$11.70	$14.44
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	28,182	35,684
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

What does a camp counselor do?

Camp counselors' general responsibility is the supervision of a camping event. Camp counselors' duties include reiterating the rules and regulations, emergency drills and procedures, and related standard protocols to ensure that the campers maintain a safe camping environment. A camp counselor should possess strong leadership and decision-making skills to develop recreational programs and immediately resolve concerns that might affect everyone's overall camping experience. Camp counselors also help develop social interaction, promote teamwork, and monitor participation among campers.

What does a recreation leader do?

The primary role of recreation leaders is to encourage recreational and sporting activities in various settings such as schools, parks, and youth centers. Their job requires them to motivate others to work as a team member while also promoting good morals and sportsmanship. They develop recreational and sports programs best suited for their company's client base. Other duties also include advertising the availability of recreational activities, securing funding for special events and projects, and adhering to safety practices.

Camp counselor vs recreation leader salary

Camp counselors and recreation leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Camp Counselor	Recreation Leader
Average salary	$24,340	$30,040
Salary range	Between $16,000 And $35,000	Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City	Omaha, NE	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Mississippi	Nebraska
Best paying company	University of California, Berkeley	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Education	Government

Differences between camp counselor and recreation leader education

There are a few differences between a camp counselor and a recreation leader in terms of educational background:

	Camp Counselor	Recreation Leader
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Psychology	Business
Most common college	Northwestern University	Northwestern University

Camp counselor vs recreation leader demographics

Here are the differences between camp counselors' and recreation leaders' demographics:

	Camp Counselor	Recreation Leader
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6%	Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between camp counselor and recreation leader duties and responsibilities

Camp counselor example responsibilities.

Manage camp check-ins by assembling and assigning check-in teams, and helping implement opening day camp check-ins.
Guide and nurture campers by accompanying them to and assisting with camp activities, and lead hiking and canoe trips
Mentore kids using healthy conflict resolution techniques.
Organize group activities to facilitate communication between children with various health needs ranging from common allergies to severe developmental disabilities.
Supervise campers, cook, and run activities.
Provide support and host VIP visitors and guests.

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Recreation leader example responsibilities.

Manage funds and resources to include developing the annual NAF budget, which include submission and prioritization of program component requirements.
Receive training in problem solving, peer mediation and first aid & CPR.
Train in CPR, food handlers, and videos of other health relate issues.
Include the use of PowerPoint, book references, and hands-on demonstration to verify attention to all learning styles.
Utilize clinical assessment, MDS documentation, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team and families.
Supervise and provide leadership for children participating in summer programs to ensure a safe and caring environment.

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Camp counselor vs recreation leader skills

Common camp counselor skills

Kids, 29%
CPR, 22%
Summer Camps, 9%
Role Model, 7%
Child Care, 5%
Incident Reports, 3%

Common recreation leader skills

CPR, 25%
Customer Service, 21%
Recreation Programs, 7%
Recreational Facilities, 5%
Role Model, 4%
Youth Sports, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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