Youth Leader Position Description

Youth leaders work at summer camps, in youth organizations and in churches.

Youth leaders work in a variety of environments and capacities, including at camps, in churches and through youth empowerment organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a job profile on "recreation workers," who "lead groups in activities such as arts and crafts, sports, performing arts, camping, and other special interests." Youth workers also act as counselors in some settings, so a degree or experience in counseling or psychology is helpful.

Duties

Recreation workers "hold a variety of positions at different levels of responsibility," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some work directly with children in settings such as camps where they serve as camp counselors. Counselors may teach a variety of skills and activities, including drama, music, boating and tennis. Youth leaders also may organize and manage activities for youth in variety of settings.

Work Environment

Recreation workers work in many settings. Some mentioned in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile are "a cruise ship, a nature park, a summer camp, or a playground in the center of an urban community." Youth and recreation workers also work in churches and other religious organizations. "Many recreation workers spend most of their time outdoors and may work in a variety of weather conditions," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hours

Youth workers can work 40 hours or more per week. The duties of the job often require flexible hours--especially when overseeing the activities and attending to the temperaments of youth. "Many people entering this field, such as camp counselors, may have some night and weekend work, irregular hours, and seasonal employment," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education

Those hoping to become youth and recreation workers may need a bachelor's degree and sometimes a master's degree when working in a church. Other jobs may require less education but more specific skill qualifications. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that "it is more important to have experience and demonstrated competence in a particular activity, such as art or kayaking, than to have a degree."

Earnings

The median annual wage that a full-time recreation worker earned in May 2008 was $21,960, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Recreation Worker