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The differences between summer camp counselors and recreation assistants 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 recreation assistant. Additionally, a recreation assistant has an average salary of $31,040, 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 recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $25,617 | $31,040 |
| Hourly rate | $12.32 | $14.92 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 31,954 | 4,088 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| 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.
A recreational assistant is responsible for performing administrative support tasks while under the supervision of a recreational manager. Their duties revolve around planning various activities that align with the company's vision and mission, such as sporting events and other fun games. They also participate in arranging equipment and supplies such as tables and stages, facilitating programs, securing necessary permits and documentation, responding to calls and inquiries, and assisting participants. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all workers and adhere to company policies and regulations.
Summer camp counselors and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average salary | $25,617 | $31,040 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $37,000 | Between $20,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Barnstable Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | St. Anne's-Belfield School | National Park Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Education | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a summer camp counselor and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between summer camp counselors' and recreation assistants' demographics:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% |
| 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, 12.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |