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The differences between recreation assistants 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 a recreation assistant and a day camp counselor. Additionally, a recreation assistant has an average salary of $31,040, which is higher than the $29,384 average annual salary of a day camp counselor.
The top three skills for a recreation assistant include customer service, MDS and recreation programs. The most important skills for a day camp counselor are CPR, kids, and cleanliness.
| Recreation Assistant | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $31,040 | $29,384 |
| Hourly rate | $14.92 | $14.13 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 4,088 | 32,895 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Recreation assistants and day camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Assistant | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $31,040 | $29,384 |
| Salary range | Between $20,000 And $46,000 | Between $19,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Barnstable Town, MA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | National Park Foundation | City of Portland |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation assistant and a day camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Assistant | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between recreation assistants' and day camp counselors' demographics:
| Recreation Assistant | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% | Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |