Tori East-Harris – Assistant Director, Business Operations & Community Care – Welcome Home!

We are so grateful for Tamisa’s dedication and years of service at Jacobs Camp, and we are beyond excited for her in her new promotion! Now, we welcome Tori East-Harris as our new Assistant Director – Business Manager and Community Care. Here’s a bit about Tori.

Hi everyone! My name is Tori East-Harris, and I’m excited to join the year-round staff at Jacobs Camp. In summer 2024, I served as the Community Care Director. I’ve been involved in summer camps since I was 15, starting at Warner Tully YMCA Camp, where I eventually became Assistant Director. I was also a camper there for seven years, and I can confidently say that camp has had a lasting impact on my life.

As a camper, I felt like I could truly be myself. Camp creates a safe space for kids to be who they are while figuring out who they want to be, and that’s something I’ve always valued deeply. The friendships I made at camp have become some of my most important relationships, and I still cherish them today. I look forward to seeing those same meaningful friendships foster and grow between our campers each summer.

After majoring in elementary education and graduating from Mississippi State in 2016, I taught 5th grade in Vicksburg for seven years. I went on to earn my master’s in counseling with a focus in school counseling from Mississippi College in 2023. While I’ve worked at several camps across the South, Jacobs Camp is truly something special. The sense of community and the amazing people here make it unlike any other.

The combination of teaching, summer camps, and mental health has given me a well-rounded view of working with kids. I’m excited to continue to use my education and experience to make sure that both campers and staff have the best summer ever!

Even as an adult, working at summer camps has allowed me to be myself and build lasting friendships with people who appreciate and love me for who I am. That’s one of the most beautiful parts of camp—it’s not just for campers but for staff too. It’s a space where everyone can belong, grow, and make connections that last a lifetime.

I’m so excited to bring my passion for helping kids and supporting families to this new role, and I can’t wait to reconnect with everyone and start this next chapter with all of you!

Tori East-Harris