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From Campers to Entrepreneurs: The Journey of Just Dreams Apparel

In the Camp Harbor View (CHV) community, entrepreneurship isn’t just about a captivating pitch on Shark Tank or a stiff suit and a packed briefcase. Countless leaders walk through the teen center and go on to follow big dreams of business ventures.

Dom Breaux, Howard Breaux, and Jaylen Sanders are three of such leaders. Together, they founded Just Dreams Apparel, and their journey began right here at Camp Harbor View. After experiencing the magic of summer camp on Long Island, all three went on to join the Leadership Academy — CHV’s year-round program for Boston youth in grades 9-12 — and become Leaders in Training (LITs).

“Camp Harbor View was more than just a summer camp; it was a place for us to connect with other people our age and open up about things that we were all experiencing together.” said Howard.

Jaylen agreed, saying “I knew I wanted to stay at CHV and become an LIT because it was one of the few places I could spend quality time with others outside of school.”

Throughout high school, Howard, Dom, and Jaylen navigated the challenges of adolescence while learning the value of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Their time at CHV had instilled in them a sense of entrepreneurship and community. Workshops on entrepreneurship and resilience prepared them for the ups and downs that come with starting a business. Their experiences at camp taught them the importance of being comfortable with discomfort, a lesson that has been crucial in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Their initial exploration into entrepreneurship was not without challenges. From finding inspiration to sticking to a theme, the trio faced numerous hurdles. Dom recalls the struggle of wanting to be original while ensuring their designs resonated with their target audience. There was also a learning curve with drop-shipping and other logistical aspects. Despite the setbacks, their determination, resilience, and the skills they acquired at CHV helped them push forward.

At CHV’s Summer Camp this year, Just Dreams Apparel was a hot topic. Howard recalls the constant demand for hoodies, with peers asking for more customized designs and unique colors. The support from their camp community fueled their ambition even more.

“This is a really supportive environment. No matter what, if you have doubts about something, they support you through.” said Dom.

Just Dreams Apparel aims to differentiate itself in the crowded fashion industry through originality and meaningful designs. The trio believes in pushing boundaries and embracing what drives them to work harder. They want their clothing line to promote values of perseverance and self-expression, resonating with a young audience that seeks more than just fashion.

For current participants of the LIT program who aspire to become entrepreneurs, Howard, Dom, and Jaylen have valuable advice. Stay motivated, even when faced with discouragement. Entrepreneurship is a viable path, and the skills and support from programs like CHV’s Leadership Academy can provide a solid foundation. They emphasize the importance of a supportive environment and the need for hands-on workshops that can dispel myths about entrepreneurship and post-secondary options.

Reflecting on their journey, Howard, Dom, and Jaylen are grateful for the experiences and support that CHV provided. They believe that the LIT program can continue to foster future leaders by encouraging multiple pathways to success and providing the right tools to get started.

For those interested in following their journey and supporting Just Dreams Apparel, you can find them on Instagram (justdreamsapparel) or visit their website https://justdreamsapparel.com/.

Each of these young men maintain their brand while pursuing various forms of postsecondary success: Howard, a Psychology major at Dartmouth; Dom, a Communications student at Emerson College; and Jaylen, a Radiology Technician from Massasoit.

Friendships are made, a ferry ride away, at Camp Harbor View

BOSTON (The Boston Globe) — Nobody says good morning like Chazz Guerra says good morning.

“G-O-O-D M-O-R-N-I-N-G,” Guerra half sang, half shouted into a bullhorn in front of the Great Hall. There are few things Guerra, a 25-year-old camp counselor, likes more than The First Day of Camp.

More than 200 Camp Harbor View middle schoolers were assembled in front of him on the sports fields, wilting in the hot and humid conditions around 9 a.m. on Monday — a tough crowd.

Camp Harbor View is a free summer camp for Boston middle schoolers on the southern end of Long Island in Boston Harbor. The Great Hall is the mess hall in the center of camp, with the ferry dock, sports fields, and high-ropes course to the north and the pool and arts pavilion to the south.

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Camp Harbor View provides summer camp experience for local youths free of charge

BOSTON (Boston 25 News) — Camp Harbor View is the brainchild of former Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Boston businessman Jack Connors, who wanted to find a use for the then-untouched land on Long Island. The idea was just to engage middle-schoolers during summer months. But whether it’s learning to sail, fish, climb a rock wall or learn a new sport, the free summer camp has become so much more to the city’s young people over the last 15 years.

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Up for the Challenge: Campers Build Confidence & Character on the Ropes Course

Arriving at Camp Harbor View the challenge course immediately catches the eye. With a rock wall towering over 50 feet above the flat Long Island landscape, it’s hard to miss. It’s a sign you’ve reached Boston’s Island of Opportunity and a symbol of summer fun. Not only is the challenge course a blast, but it’s also a powerful tool to teach campers leadership skills and teamwork while developing their confidence and trust in their peers. 

Camp Harbor View is built around opening opportunities for young people to explore, learn, and experience as much as possible — all year long. Youth should feel comfortable and safe and yet have opportunities to stretch and discover. Some take to the arts pavilion, where they push their creative boundaries. Others seek sailing and swimming and sports, and everyone gets a chance on the challenge course.

The course empowers campers’ critical thinking and creative problem solving. An important part of the experience is learning from frustrations and disappointments and working together to successfully adapt. 

Balance beam

Effective teamwork is essential in every exercise.  “While our campers – middle school kids from throughout the City of Boston – swing for the fences and climb toward the sky to look out over Boston Harbor and the city skyline, they are putting trust in their peers in pursuit of a shared goal.” Josh Waxman, Deputy Director of Camp Harbor View, explains. “I think that is incredibly powerful. The communication and collaboration required to make the whole system work is also worth emphasizing; it is a team exercise. Friendships are formed and relationships are strengthened on the challenge course for sure.” 

Next time you’re on the island to hear the distinctive call of 3. 2. 1. and witness a brave camper catapult through the air, think of the courage, conviction and strong community behind that crowning moment.  

ropes course grid

‘An island just for us’: opening day for summer camp on Long Island

BOSTON (The Boston Globe) – Sporting pink reflective sunglasses that matched her bright lipstick, Lisa Fortenberry clapped and yelled “Day one, baby!”

In front of her, campers exited their buses in single file Monday. Some tried to keep a cool countenance — one even kept his arms crossed as he strode along — but the staff’s energetic welcome was tough to resist. When the teenager thought no one was looking, he let a smile cross his face.

The campers were headed for a boat that would take them to Camp Harbor View, where a high-ropes course cuts the skyline, orange flags line a scenic boardwalk onto the island, and waves crash against the rocky waterline next to the basketball and tennis courts.

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David Ortiz Surprises Kids At Camp Harbor View

BOSTON (CBS) – It was a summer camp surprise like no other when Big Papi visited Camp Harbor View, inspiring and encouraging the young people there. The camp works with at-risk kids from Boston’s inner-city neighborhoods. The message David Ortiz brought was perfect.

The kids roared their welcome for the former Red Sox slugger. They had no idea he would visit the camp on Long Island in Boston Harbor Thursday.

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