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Camp director vs recreation leader

The differences between camp directors 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 director and a recreation leader. Additionally, a camp director has an average salary of $38,675, which is higher than the $30,040 average annual salary of a recreation leader.

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

Camp director vs recreation leader overview

Camp DirectorRecreation Leader
Yearly salary$38,675$30,040
Hourly rate$18.59$14.44
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs8,98335,684
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
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 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 director vs recreation leader salary

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

Camp DirectorRecreation Leader
Average salary$38,675$30,040
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $59,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNebraska
Best paying companyGill St. Bernard's SchoolUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between camp director and recreation leader education

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

Camp DirectorRecreation Leader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Camp director vs recreation leader demographics

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

Camp DirectorRecreation Leader
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 46.0% Female, 54.0%Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between camp director and recreation leader 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.
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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.
  • Show more

Camp director vs recreation leader skills

Common camp director skills
  • CPR, 24%
  • Role Model, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Kids, 7%
  • Staff Supervision, 7%
  • Professional Development, 5%
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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