Chattanooga, Tenn. (July 22, 2025)- The Jessie Igou Community Center
(formerly known as the Eastdale Community Center) is buzzing with energy as
we welcome an incredible team of summer camp counselors for 2025! These
passionate individuals are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences
for our kids. Get to know the faces behind the fun!
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,” Aniyla recalls. “I thought, this is perfect for me—I love kids! So I
clicked the link, applied, and here I am.”
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 says. “When we’re all out there playing
games or creating something together, it’s just pure fun. That’s what I
live for.”
Aniyla says the camp has taught her as much as she’s taught the kids. “It
gets you out of your comfort zone,” she explains. “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 proud mom. Her kids attend Eastdale’s programs, so she’s
experiencing camp life from both sides.
“I actually found this job on Indeed,” she laughs. “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 Jasmine, the best part of the job is the relationships. “I love being
able to help kids try new things and see them grow,” she says. “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.
“I’ve been doing this since I graduated high school in 2012,” he says.
“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 Jeulian, 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 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 says. “It’s fun, it’s supportive, and your voice matters here.
You’re not just a counselor—you’re part of something bigger.”
Spend a day at Eastdale, and you’ll see it—the teamwork, the laughter, 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
shows up every day with passion and heart. As Jeulian puts it, “It’s all
about the kids at the end of the day.”
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