Recreation manager vs camp director

The differences between recreation managers and camp directors 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 manager and a camp director. Additionally, a recreation manager has an average salary of $47,007, which is higher than the $38,675 average annual salary of a camp director.

The top three skills for a recreation manager include CPR, cleanliness and safety procedures. The most important skills for a camp director are CPR, role model, and safety procedures.

Recreation manager vs camp director overview

	Recreation Manager	Camp Director
Yearly salary	$47,007	$38,675
Hourly rate	$22.60	$18.59
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	3,137	8,983
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

What does a recreation manager do?

Recreation managers create programs at a recreation center for specific people such as the elderly, children, and disabled people. These managers keep communities informed regarding the different excursions, programs, and exhibitions. They advise counselors and administrators on recreation and parks and ways to obtain sponsors. They coordinate and keep records of all activities and events. Their job also includes dealing with issues like being understaffed. They must work with different kinds of people, must have management and organizational abilities, and be physically fit.

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.

Recreation manager vs camp director salary

Recreation managers and camp directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Recreation Manager	Camp Director
Average salary	$47,007	$38,675
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $70,000	Between $25,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	Olympia, WA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Mississippi	New York
Best paying company	St. John's Episcopal Hospital	Gill St. Bernard's School
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Education

Differences between recreation manager and camp director education

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

	Recreation Manager	Camp Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common major	Business	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	Northwestern University

Recreation manager vs camp director demographics

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

	Recreation Manager	Camp Director
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 55.0% Female, 45.0%	Male, 46.0% Female, 54.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black 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%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between recreation manager and camp director duties and responsibilities

Recreation manager example responsibilities.

Manage activity and progress reports including statistical data require by regulators, initial assessments, MDS and IDC documentation.
Examine injure persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
Attend and present at borough staff and safety meetings.
Participate in QA and QIS survey at a facility and corporate level.

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 manager vs camp director skills

Common recreation manager skills

CPR, 22%
Cleanliness, 20%
Safety Procedures, 12%
Guest Satisfaction, 7%
Recreation Facilities, 6%
Aquatics, 4%

Common camp director skills

CPR, 24%
Role Model, 10%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Kids, 7%
Staff Supervision, 7%
Professional Development, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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