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Camp director vs recreation assistant

The differences between camp directors and recreation assistants 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 director and a recreation assistant. Additionally, a camp director has an average salary of $38,675, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

The top three skills for a camp director include CPR, role model and safety procedures. The most important skills for a recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.

Camp director vs recreation assistant overview

Camp DirectorRecreation Assistant
Yearly salary$38,675$31,040
Hourly rate$18.59$14.92
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs8,9834,088
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a camp director do?

A camp director spearheads and oversees the operations of recreational camps and their programs. They manage the camps' daily activities and supervise the employees, ensuring that campers get to receive optimal services and experience. A camp director is mostly responsible for setting goals and guidelines, establishing budgets and timelines, planning events and activities, liaising with internal and external parties, and building strong relationships with business partners. Moreover, a camp director leads and motivates staff to reach goals, all while implementing the camps' safety policies and regulations.

What does a recreation assistant do?

A recreational assistant is responsible for performing administrative support tasks while under the supervision of a recreational manager. Their duties revolve around planning various activities that align with the company's vision and mission, such as sporting events and other fun games. They also participate in arranging equipment and supplies such as tables and stages, facilitating programs, securing necessary permits and documentation, responding to calls and inquiries, and assisting participants. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all workers and adhere to company policies and regulations.

Camp director vs recreation assistant salary

Camp directors and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Camp DirectorRecreation Assistant
Average salary$38,675$31,040
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $59,000Between $20,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBarnstable Town, MA
Highest paying stateNew YorkWest Virginia
Best paying companyGill St. Bernard's SchoolNational Park Foundation
Best paying industryEducationHealth Care

Differences between camp director and recreation assistant education

There are a few differences between a camp director and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:

Camp DirectorRecreation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Camp director vs recreation assistant demographics

Here are the differences between camp directors' and recreation assistants' demographics:

Camp DirectorRecreation Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 46.0% Female, 54.0%Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.6% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between camp director and recreation assistant duties and responsibilities

Camp director example responsibilities.

  • Manage coaches schedules, do payroll and accounting, make bookings for customers, and oversee daily operations.
  • Manage and supervise the development and execution of program, including fiscal oversight, funding initiatives, and new partnerships.
  • Administer support planning and logistics associate with summer program.
  • Team leader for ACA accreditation visit for camp that year.
  • Lead conflict mediation in regards to parents, staff and campers
  • Provide daily oversight to insure a safe and efficient work environment.
  • Show more

Recreation assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage one-on-one and group social and physical sessions with long-term nursing and short-term rehabilitation residents
  • Assist multiple MWR facilities with the upkeep, accountability and sanitation of workout and rehabilitation equipment.
  • Respond to emergency situation and administering first aid and CPR when need.
  • Assist in the setup and operation of major MWR events, such as Oktoberfest and fund raising concerts.
  • Coordinate large events/gatherings in accordance with MWR procedures, including reserving special locations, food & beverage and entertainment.
  • Conduct therapeutic groups such as ADL skills, team building, self expression and skill building amongst all age groups.
  • Show more

Camp director vs recreation assistant skills

Common camp director skills
  • CPR, 24%
  • Role Model, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Kids, 7%
  • Staff Supervision, 7%
  • Professional Development, 5%
Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%

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