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The differences between recreation specialists 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 specialist and a summer camp counselor. Additionally, a recreation specialist has an average salary of $39,186, which is higher than the $25,617 average annual salary of a summer camp counselor.
The top three skills for a recreation specialist include CPR, customer service and recreation programs. The most important skills for a summer camp counselor are child care, kids, and CPR.
| Recreation Specialist | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $39,186 | $25,617 |
| Hourly rate | $18.84 | $12.32 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 3,288 | 31,954 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A recreation specialist is responsible for planning and organizing engaging activities according to the event's purpose and community theme. Recreation specialists handle the event's outline from conceptualization to the actual execution, including the location, resources, participants, and budget limitations. They consider the needs of the participants and develop strategic plans that would cater to their lifestyle, growth, and development. A recreation specialist may also conduct outreach operations to gain sponsors and fundraising to enhance community events.
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 specialists and summer camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Specialist | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $39,186 | $25,617 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $53,000 | Between $17,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Loveland, CO | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | Mississippi |
| Best paying company | Harlem Children's Zone | St. Anne's-Belfield School |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation specialist and a summer camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Specialist | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Kinesiology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation specialists' and summer camp counselors' demographics:
| Recreation Specialist | Summer Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.7% Female, 51.3% | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 60.3% 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% |