Every Child Deserves a Seat on the Bus This Summer

Last summer, four Union 38 students packed their lunches, boarded buses, and stepped into a summer they might not otherwise have had. 

Because of support from the Mary Lyon Foundation’s Union 38 Family Fund, those four children were able to attend River Valley Day Camp, a place filled with field trips, laughter, new friendships, and experiences that stretched well beyond their everyday routines. 

For Jeremy Wells, Director of the Out-of-School Time Programs and River Valley Day Camp, making moments like that possible is at the heart of his work. He describes his role as one of support, supporting staff, supporting families, and, most importantly, supporting kids. His job, he says, is often about putting the pieces together so children can attend camp safely, confidently, and without barriers standing in the way. 

River Valley Day Camp runs for seven to eight weeks each summer and fills quickly. Within days of registration opening, 100 spots are typically taken. What sets the camp apart, Jeremy explains, is the weekly field trips across New England and the sense of pride the program carries. 

Campers visit places like the Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Connecticut Science Center. They build telescopes at Battleship Cove and explore cities many have never seen before. For some, it is their first time riding a train or standing beneath skyscrapers in Boston. Jeremy still smiles thinking about the children who had to pause before stepping onto an escalator because they had never used one. 

Camp is not babysitting; Jeremy is quick to point out. While families rely on the program so parents can work, River Valley is intentionally structured to help children stay engaged, maintain the skills they gained during the school year, and build lasting friendships. Kids form bonds with counselors they trust. They return year after year. Many counselors were once campers themselves, creating a full circle that speaks to the strength of the experience. 

Still, access can be difficult. In recent years, Jeremy has seen more families navigating financial strain or health challenges at home. He has had parents quietly ask how they could afford to send their children. His response is simple: register them, and we will figure it out. No child, he believes, should miss out because of circumstances beyond their control.  

When the Mary Lyon Foundation reached out to let him know that four Union 38 students could be sponsored through the Union 38 Family Fund, Jeremy picked up the phone. He called parents to share the news that their children could attend camp without financial worry. In one case, the relief brought tears. For the children, it meant something beautifully straightforward: they got to go to camp. 

Partnerships like the one between River Valley Day Camp and the Mary Lyon Foundation make that possible. Because the program operates primarily through tuition, scholarships can stretch the budget thin. Assistance from the Union 38 Fund allows Jeremy to offer more financial assistance while still providing rich experiences for all campers. It removes the quiet stress that can weigh on families and replaces it with opportunity. 

For Jeremy, seeing local philanthropy at work in this way is deeply meaningful. It reminds him of what community is meant to be. Supporting children, he believes, is the most important investment anyone can make. It shapes confident, capable young people who may one day turn around and support the next generation. 

To learn more about scholarship opportunities and how the Mary Lyon Foundation supports local students and families, visit marylyonfoundation.org/students.