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The differences between recreation directors and summer 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 summer camp counselor. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $25,617 average annual salary of a summer camp counselor.
The top three skills for a recreation director include community resources, therapeutic recreation and nursing home. The most important skills for a summer camp counselor are child care, kids, and CPR.
| Recreation Director | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $48,525 | $25,617 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $12.32 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 8,479 | 31,954 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
Summer camps are programs with different themes organized for children or teenagers during the summer months. Summer camp counselors are responsible for the overall supervision of campers and the planning and implementation of the different programs to give children a memorable experience. It is their responsibility to create a fun, safe, and rewarding environment for each camper. They provide counsel, support, and monitor each camper's individual development. A good summer camp counselor is reliable, honest, and has strong leadership skills.
Recreation directors and summer camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Director | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $48,525 | $25,617 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $77,000 | Between $17,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milpitas, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Mississippi |
| Best paying company | Downtown United Soccer Club | St. Anne's-Belfield School |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation director and a summer camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Director | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Recreation Management | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation directors' and summer camp counselors' demographics:
| Recreation Director | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% |
| 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, 13.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |