Activity leader
Also known as: cultural activities leader, workshop leader, recreational activities leader, youth coordinator, holiday village activity leader, workshop presenter
About this occupation
Activity leaders provide recreational services to people and children on vacation. They organise activities such as games for children, sport competitions, cycling tours, shows and museum visits. Recreational animators also advertise their activities, manage the available budget for each event and consult their colleagues.
Essential skills and knowledge
- communicate with youth
- organise camp activities
- communication principles
- manage feedback
- implement risk management for outdoors
- manage outdoor resources
- demonstrate games
- plan self-organisation
- give feedback on changing circumstances
- support children's wellbeing
- communication
- communicate in an outdoor setting
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling (O*NET 11-9072.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Write budgets to plan recreational activities or programs.
- Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.
- Talk to customers to convey information about events or activities.
- Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
- Explain rules and regulations of facilities and entertainment attractions to customers.
- Calculate and record department expenses and revenue.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking, Monitoring
US median pay: US$79,520 a year (2025), 37,980 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Recreation Workers
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
- Recreational Therapists
- Park Naturalists
- General and Operations Managers
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Lodging Managers
- Facilities Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.