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The differences between recreation directors and 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 director and a camp counselor. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $24,340 average annual salary of a camp counselor.
The top three skills for a recreation director include community resources, therapeutic recreation and nursing home. The most important skills for a camp counselor are kids, CPR, and summer camps.
| Recreation Director | Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $48,525 | $24,340 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $11.70 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 8,479 | 28,182 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Recreation directors may take part in leading activities like canoeing, wilderness first-aid, rock climbing, camping, and resource management for this dynamic career. Responsibilities include implementation and success assurance of recreation programs, as well as management of schedules for activities and facilities. They also handle the recruitment, training, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
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.
Recreation directors and camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Director | Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $48,525 | $24,340 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $77,000 | Between $16,000 And $35,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milpitas, CA | Omaha, NE |
| Highest paying state | California | Mississippi |
| Best paying company | Downtown United Soccer Club | University of California, Berkeley |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation director and a camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Director | Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Recreation Management | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation directors' and camp counselors' demographics:
| Recreation Director | Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% | Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |