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The differences between summer camp counselors 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 summer camp counselor and a day camp counselor. Additionally, a day camp counselor has an average salary of $29,384, which is higher than the $25,617 average annual salary of a summer camp counselor.
The top three skills for a summer camp counselor include child care, kids and CPR. The most important skills for a day camp counselor are CPR, kids, and cleanliness.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Yearly salary | $25,617 | $29,384 |
| Hourly rate | $12.32 | $14.13 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 31,954 | 32,895 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Summer camp counselors and day camp counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average salary | $25,617 | $29,384 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $37,000 | Between $19,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | St. Anne's-Belfield School | City of Portland |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a summer camp counselor and a day camp counselor in terms of educational background:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between summer camp counselors' and day camp counselors' demographics:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Day Camp Counselor | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% | Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |