What does a Camp Leader do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Camp Leader is responsible for planning, executing, and following up on activities at camps for children, youth, or adults. Tasks include leadership, group activities, conflict management, and creating a safe and inclusive environment. The role also involves administrative duties, safety responsibilities, and communication with participants and parents. The work environment is often outdoors and can be physically demanding and challenging, especially during longer camp periods where presence and engagement are crucial for participants' experience and safety.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary development for camp leaders has been positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK, which increased to 30 600 SEK in 2023 and reached 31 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 7.8% during the period. This trend reflects an increased demand for competent leaders in the leisure sector and a greater focus on quality and safety in camp activities. The market has remained stable, with salary adjustments mainly following inflation and collective agreements rather than dramatic changes in the labor market. Women continue to have a slightly higher average salary than men, which is uncommon in many other professions.
Camp Leader Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,400 SEK/month (men), 28,000 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (men), 35,700 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 102% of men's salaries
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on employer and region, but larger cities and the municipal sector tend to offer higher wages.
Education and Qualifications
To work as a Camp Leader, experience in leadership combined with education in leisure studies or pedagogy is often required. Many employers prefer applicants to have completed leisure leader training, but other relevant experience, such as volunteer work or employment with children and youth, is also valuable. Formal requirements may vary depending on the workplace and the focus of the activity.
- Leisure leader education: Vocational college, typically 2 years
- Courses in leadership or pedagogy: Recommended
- Practical training during education: Often mandatory
- Experience working with children/youth: Meritorious
- Certifications in first aid/safety: Often required or highly advantageous
Working as a Camp Leader provides unique opportunities to develop leadership skills in practice. Many who start as camp leaders report rapid growth in decision-making, group management, and communication skills—experiences that are valuable beyond camp life.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Camp leaders are often covered by collective agreements, entitling them to holiday pay, overtime pay, and insurance. Many employers also offer meals and accommodation during camp periods, as well as opportunities for further training and supervision. Some activities may provide wellness allowances or extra days off after intensive work periods.
Competition and Challenges
The labor market for camp leaders is characterized by balance, with neither oversupply nor shortage according to the Employment Service's forecasts. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, resulting in stable but competitive conditions for both new and experienced applicants. A challenge is that many positions are seasonal and dependent on project or term employment, which can affect the possibility of permanent employment and long-term security. Additionally, high demands are placed on responsibility and the ability to act in emergency situations, requiring both experience and personal engagement.
Tips for Aspiring Camp Leaders
To succeed as a Camp Leader, it is important to combine enthusiasm with structure and flexibility. Demonstrating clear leadership while being attentive to participants' needs fosters trust and safety within the group. Experience from associations or volunteer work is often advantageous and provides opportunities to practice teamwork and conflict resolution. Being proactive and creative facilitates planning activities and solving problems in unexpected situations. For those wishing to develop in the profession, continuous education and gaining practical experience in different types of activities are valuable.
Key Facts about Camp Leaders
- Education level: Vocational college education (2 years) most common
- Work environment: Usually outdoor and seasonal
- Employment type: Project- and term-based employment are common
- Demand: Moderate, with unchanged forecast for the coming five years
- Number of job openings: 237 within the leisure and related professions
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years as a Camp Leader, there are opportunities to advance to coordinator, training leader, or operations manager within leisure and camp activities. Some specialize in specific target groups, such as youth leaders or camp coordinators for thematic camps. Others choose to further their education in pedagogy or social work and move into roles such as leisure educators in schools or youth centers. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that demand for the profession is expected to remain stable over five years, with a balanced supply and demand. For those interested in development within the sector, there are also opportunities to work in training new leaders or start their own camp operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Camp Leaders
- What is the average salary of a Camp Leader?
- The average salary is 31 900 SEK per month.
- What is the highest salary for a Camp Leader?
- The highest salary is 37,600 SEK per month.
- What is the lowest salary for a Camp Leader?
- The lowest salary is 27,400 SEK per month.
- How big is the difference between men's and women's salaries?
- Women earn on average 102% of men's salaries in the profession.
- What education is required to become a Camp Leader?
- Most commonly a two-year vocational college education for leisure leaders.
- What are the future prospects?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
- Are there many job openings for Camp Leaders?
- There are 237 available jobs in the profession according to the latest statistics.
