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The differences between recreation directors 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 director and a day camp counselor. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $29,384 average annual salary of a day camp counselor.
The top three skills for a recreation director include community resources, therapeutic recreation and nursing home. The most important skills for a day camp counselor are CPR, kids, and cleanliness.
| Recreation Director | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $48,525 | $29,384 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $14.13 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 8,479 | 32,895 |
| 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.
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 directors and day camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Director | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $48,525 | $29,384 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $77,000 | Between $19,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milpitas, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Downtown United Soccer Club | City of Portland |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation director and a day camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Director | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Recreation Management | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between recreation directors' and day camp counselors' demographics:
| Recreation Director | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% | Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6% |
| 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, 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% |