The real bosses came to campus for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day

George Mason University welcomed 229 “Junior Patriots” to its campuses on April 24 for the annual Take Your Junior Patriot to Work event. Faculty and staff had the chance to bring the children in their lives to campus and experience life at George Mason for a day.

With more than 40 activities hosted across the Fairfax Campus, Science and Technology Campus, and Mason Square, attendees learned about George Mason and explored different parts of campus life. 

At Fairfax, the event kicked off with musical entertainment from the Green Machine and a visit from the Patriot on Merten Lawn.

Other highlights at Fairfax included a soccer clinic, emergency preparedness training, Junior Patriot Pitch, tent-building and s’mores, video game design, a “Touch-a-Truck” experience with emergency vehicles, a stuffed animal wellness clinic, and ice cream and games at the Corner Pocket.

Mason Square activities included lawn games and story time on the plaza, a drone demonstration by the George Mason Police, and more. 

The SciTech Campus offered a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, swimming at the Freedom Center, a library tour, and picnic. 

A wide range of activities hosted by campus partners allowed participants to choose their own adventure based on each child’s age and interests. The City of Fairfax Fire Department also joined the touch-a-truck event.

“Human Resources extends a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each campus partner who hosted an activity or provided an on-campus discount to engage our George Mason faculty and staff during the event,” said Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager in Human Resources. 

Visit the Take Your Junior Patriot to Work webpage for full descriptions of the activities.

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work will return on April 23, 2026. Interested in hosting an activity next year? Contact engageHR@gmu.edu.