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The differences between recreation managers 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 manager and a summer camp counselor. Additionally, a recreation manager has an average salary of $47,007, which is higher than the $25,617 average annual salary of a summer camp counselor.
The top three skills for a recreation manager include CPR, cleanliness and safety procedures. The most important skills for a summer camp counselor are child care, kids, and CPR.
| Recreation Manager | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $47,007 | $25,617 |
| Hourly rate | $22.60 | $12.32 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 3,137 | 31,954 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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 managers and summer camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Manager | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $47,007 | $25,617 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $70,000 | Between $17,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | Mississippi |
| Best paying company | St. John's Episcopal Hospital | St. Anne's-Belfield School |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation manager and a summer camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Manager | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation managers' and summer camp counselors' demographics:
| Recreation Manager | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.0% Female, 45.0% | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% |
| 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, 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% |