Aniyla Clark
Jasmine Williams
Jeulian High
The Jessie Igou Community Center (formerly known as the Eastdale Community Center) is buzzing with energy as they welcome a team of summer camp counselors for 2025.
"These passionate individuals are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our kids," officials said.
"Aniyla Clark may only be 19, but she has wisdom beyond her years. A Chattanooga native raised near Hamilton Place, she’s entering her sophomore year at Chattanooga State, majoring in psychology.
Her dream? To become a child therapist."
“When I was scrolling through Instagram, I saw a post about summer camp jobs,” Ms. Clark recalls. “I thought, this is perfect for me—I love kids. So I clicked the link, applied, and here I am.”
Officials said, "This is Aniyla’s second summer at the Igou Center, and she keeps coming back for one simple reason: the joy on the kids’ faces."
“I love seeing them light up during activities,” she said. “When we’re all out there playing games or creating something together, it’s just pure fun. That’s what I live for.”
Ms. Clark says the camp has taught her as much as she’s taught the kids.
“It gets you out of your comfort zone,” she said. “You meet new people, try new things and discover a lot about yourself. It’s more than a job—it’s an experience.”
Jasmine Williams knows Eastdale like the back of her hand—after all, she lives just down the street. At 35, she’s wearing two hats this summer: counselor and mom. Her kids attend Eastdale’s programs, so she’s experiencing camp life from both sides.
“I actually found this job on Indeed,” Ms. Willaims said. “I wasn’t even sure I’d get it, but they called me back. I’ve always worked with kids and people with special needs, so I thought, why not do something fun for the summer?”
For Ms. Williams, the best part of the job is the relationships. “I love being able to help kids try new things and see them grow,” she said. “It feels good knowing you’re part of that.”
She also sees the bigger picture. “Working here isn’t just a job—it’s a way to give back,” she adds. “You meet people from the neighborhood, you make a difference. You really do feel like you’re doing something important.”
"If Eastdale had an all-star lineup, Jeulian High would be the MVP. At 32, he’s been a part of Chattanooga’s summer camp world for over a decade," officials said.
“I’ve been doing this since I graduated high school in 2012,” he said. “First at Washington Hills, then South Chat and now here at The Igou Center. I even came back during college breaks while playing ball.”
For Mr. High, it’s more than just a summer gig—it’s a calling.
“I grew up in these programs. Now, I get to be on the other side, giving back to kids who are in the same place I was," he said.
He recalls one of his favorite moments: running into a former camper at a high school game. “They came up and said, ‘You remember me? You were my counselor at camp.’ That’s what it’s all about—seeing these kids grow up and knowing you had a positive impact.”
What keeps him coming back year after year? The Eastdale family.
“It’s the vibe,” he said. “It’s fun, it’s supportive and your voice matters here. You’re not just a counselor—you’re part of something bigger.”
Officials said, "Spend a day at Eastdale, and you’ll see it—the teamwork, the laughter and the moments of pure joy. From morning pep talks to afternoon games in the sunshine, this camp is more than childcare—it’s a place where kids build confidence, try new things and make lifelong friends.
"And behind every smile is a counselor like Aniyla, Jasmine or Jeulian, who show up every day with passion and heart. As Jeulian puts it, 'It’s all about the kids at the end of the day.'"