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The differences between summer camp counselors and recreation leaders 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 leader. Additionally, a recreation leader has an average salary of $30,040, 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 leader are CPR, customer service, and recreation programs.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Leader | |
| Yearly salary | $25,617 | $30,040 |
| Hourly rate | $12.32 | $14.44 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 31,954 | 35,684 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| 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 primary role of recreation leaders is to encourage recreational and sporting activities in various settings such as schools, parks, and youth centers. Their job requires them to motivate others to work as a team member while also promoting good morals and sportsmanship. They develop recreational and sports programs best suited for their company's client base. Other duties also include advertising the availability of recreational activities, securing funding for special events and projects, and adhering to safety practices.
Summer camp counselors and recreation leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Leader | |
| Average salary | $25,617 | $30,040 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $37,000 | Between $23,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | Nebraska |
| Best paying company | St. Anne's-Belfield School | University of California, Berkeley |
| Best paying industry | Education | Government |
There are a few differences between a summer camp counselor and a recreation leader in terms of educational background:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Leader | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between summer camp counselors' and recreation leaders' demographics:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Recreation Leader | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% | Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2% |
| 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, 10.1% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |