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The differences between summer camp counselors and volunteers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a summer camp counselor, becoming a volunteer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a volunteer has an average salary of $31,227, 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 volunteer are child care, patient charts, and patient care.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Volunteer | |
| Yearly salary | $25,617 | $31,227 |
| Hourly rate | $12.32 | $15.01 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 31,954 | 9,583 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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.
Volunteers are usually unpaid individuals who render their service to a company or organization. Most of the time, volunteers are skilled in specific areas needed by the organization but prefer to provide free service. They may be employed in another organization, but they lend their time and talent to another organization or company to give back to the community. They raise funds, create awareness, and work on the ground. Volunteers usually choose a cause or advocacy close to their heart, such as teaching children, taking care of the elderly, coaching sports teams, cleaning up communities, and caring for animals.
Summer camp counselors and volunteers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Summer Camp Counselor | Volunteer | |
| Average salary | $25,617 | $31,227 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $37,000 | Between $23,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | - |
| Best paying company | St. Anne's-Belfield School | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a summer camp counselor and a volunteer in terms of educational background:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Volunteer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | California State University - Fullerton |
Here are the differences between summer camp counselors' and volunteers' demographics:
| Summer Camp Counselor | Volunteer | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% |
| 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, 13.2% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 7.3% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |