Faculty and Staff Engagement
About Take Your Junior Patriot to Work
Take Your Junior Patriot to Work is George Mason’s version of the national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, whose focus is to "expose children to what a parent or mentor does during the work day; showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities of work and family life, providing a chance to share how they envision the future, and allowing them to begin steps toward their goals in a hands-on and interactive environment." The national event takes place on the 4th Thursday of April.
Human Resources partners with Fairfax, Mason Square, and Sci-Tech business units to offer diverse and robust programs for the Take Your Junior Patriot to Work event. Sessions are focused on social interaction, career enhancement, guided learning, enhanced overall well-being (all dimensions of wellness), and so much more. Business units provide a sneak peek into their world at George Mason and provide an opportunity for Junior Patriots to engage in that world.
For questions, contact the Faculty and Staff Engagement team at engagehr@gmu.edu.
Participants will be asked to complete a SignUpGenius and register for each activity/event that they plan to attend with their Junior Patriot. Those with a consent form on file will be sent the link to register for the various sessions. Sign-ups help George Mason units plan appropriately for the number of attendees.
Consent Form Required: Complete the Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day Consent Form in preparation of the event. All participants must have a form on file prior to attending with their Junior Patriots.
Please Note: Parents/Guardians are responsible for maintaining care, custody, and control of their child(ren) and for supervising them at all times during the day.
Those with a consent form on file will be sent a SignUpGenius link, via email, to reserve your spot for the activity sessions.
Campus Map
View the Fairfax campus map to find all the session locations!
All-Day Exclusive Deals
Bookstore Discount
Johnson Center, First Floor
Get your Mason pride on with a 20% discount on all George Mason Gear and branded products at the Bookstore! Just flash your Mason ID in-store to enjoy this exclusive offer.
Mason Dining Discount
Southside, Ike's, The Globe or The Spot
Enjoy a Mason Dining Discount at Southside, Ike's, The Globe, or The Spot! When you dine with shopMason/Mason Dining, children 12 and under can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of a qualifying adult meal.
Manhattan Pizza Dining Discount
Merten Hall, First Floor
Enjoy a variety of Manhattan Pizza dining discounts! To celebrate our Junior Patriots, Manhattan Pizza is offering $5 off a large pizza, 20% off your entire order, or a free 2-liter Coca-Cola with the purchase of a large pizza. Grab lunch and join us on Merten Lawn for our afternoon picnic and lawn games from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Einstein Bros. Bagels Discount
Merten Hall, First Floor
Treat your Junior Patriot to a tasty meal at Einstein Bros. Bagels! Children can enjoy a cheese or pepperoni pizza bagel and a small drink for $5.50. Fuel up for a fun-filled day with this special offer!
Steak 'n Shake Discount
Johnson Center, First Floor
Grab a bite at Steak 'n Shake! Treat your Junior Patriot to a delicious meal—2-piece chicken tenders or a hot dog with small fries and a drink for $5.50.
Blaze Pizza Discount
Johnson Center, First Floor
Pizza lovers, don't miss this deal! Junior Patriots can enjoy a half cheese or pepperoni pizza with a small drink for $5.50.
Flip Kitchen Discount
Johnson Center, First Floor
Celebrate with a tasty taco! Enjoy a soft taco with a small drink for $5.50 at Flip Kitchen.
The Eaterie Discount
SUB I, Ground Floor
Enjoy a variety of options! Choose an entrée from the following stations along with a drink for $5.50:
- Pepperoni or cheese pizzas at Doughlicious
- Chicken quesadilla at Without Boundaries
- Grilled Cheese and chips at Subs & Such
- Tortellini pasta salad at Dress It Up
Panda Express Discount
Merten Hall, First Floor
A delicious deal awaits! Junior Patriots and their families can enjoy 10% off their meal at Panda Express—perfect for a tasty break during a fun-filled day.
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Junior Patriot Palooza - all ages
Merten Lawn
Get ready for a morning filled with fun, creativity, and community at our Human Resources event! You won't want to miss our Taylor Swift-inspired "Make Your Own Bracelet" station, where you can craft a personalized piece and exchange it with others for a little extra sparkle.
You can also get creative and spread positivity at our "Painting Kindness Rocks" station, where every stroke adds color to kindness.
Or, you can design your own popsicle picture frame, the perfect spot to hold a photo of your Junior Patriot! Plus, grab a new George Mason-logoed pennant to show your school spirit. It's a great way to connect, create, and have fun with fellow Patriots—see you there!
Jam with the Green Machine - all ages
Merten Lawn
Join us as we rock out with the famous George Mason University Green Machine Pep Band—feel the energy and excitement as they get the crowd pumped up! It's the perfect way to celebrate the "Take Your Junior Patriot to Work" event and create lasting memories with your family.
Junior Patriot Scavenger Hunt - all ages
Various Locations
The George Mason Staff Senate is excited to offer a Junior Patriot Scavenger Hunt for families! Pick up your passport card at Merten Lawn during the Palooza between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and collect your first stamp as you spend the day adventuring together across campus in search of more hidden stamps. Collect five stamps and submit your completed passport to the Staff Senate to be entered to win a prize of George Mason swag!
Blender Bike - all ages
Merten Lawn
Start your day off with a ride on the Sodexo Blender Bike and make your own fresh fruit smoothie. You'll also have the chance to speak with a George Mason dietician to learn more about healthy eating!
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Strike a Pose with the Patriot - all ages
Merten Lawn
Get ready to smile and show your Mason spirit! Stop by for a fun photo opportunity with George Mason University's beloved mascot, The Patriot. Capture a memorable moment with your Junior Patriot on this special day!
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Employee Wellness Benefits with CommonHealth - all ages
Merten Lawn
CommonHealth, the wellness benefit for state employees, offers a range of opportunities including special rates on WeightWatchers, fitness center discounts, and more. Stop by to learn more about the wellness benefits available to state employees.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Emergency Management Experience - ages 6 - 18 years
Police and Safety Headquarters, Room 230
Get ready for an action-packed adventure inside the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)! Junior Patriots will step into a dynamic, hands-on environment where they'll explore how the RSR-Emergency Management & Fire Safety team manages events and responds to emergencies. With interactive sessions and engaging activities, Junior Patriots will get a behind-the-scenes look at how we help keep the George Mason community safe and connected.
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Brain Break: Creative and Mindful Play - all ages
George's, Johnson Center, Third Floor
Join the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community for a fun-filled time of blowing bubbles, coloring, playdough, kids' yoga, and creating your very own self-care kit! Healthy snacks will be provided!
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Reading Circles - ages infant - 5 years
Fenwick Library, Reading Room 2001
Immerse your little ones in the magical world of storytelling at our Reading Circles! Join us at Fenwick Library, Reading Room 2001, where we'll provide delectable treats and beverages to enhance the experience. Plus, don't miss your chance to win one of three fabulous book prizes in our exciting raffle!
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Stuffed Animal Wellness Clinic: Bring Your Stuffie for a Check-Up - all ages
Police and Safety Headquarters, Second Floor
Bring your favorite toy or stuffed animal for a health check-up from the Risk, Safety, and Resilience's Employee Health & Well-Being team. A full check-up, plus any band-aids or extra hugs needed, will be completed along with a health report card for your child to take home to remember their appointment by. Please bring your own stuffed animal.
Junior Patriot Pitch - ages 6 -18 years
SUB I, Room 3A
The Costello College of Business is hosting “Junior Patriot Pitch” for kids of all ages.
Have you ever seen “Shark Tank”? Junior Patriot Pitch is “Shark Tank” for Junior Patriots where aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages will work in teams with Costello College of Business faculty mentors to create an idea for a product. Teams will then “pitch” their product to a panel of faculty judges and compete for College of Business prizes.
The activity will take approximately 90 minutes, with plenty of breaks. Aspiring entrepreneurs will work on their inventions and create a short presentation with the assistance of College of Business faculty mentors (approximately 30-45 minutes). Each group will give their “pitch” (i.e., presentation) to the panel of faculty judges (15-20 minutes) in a friendly competition for cool prizes.
A reception for aspiring entrepreneurs, their parents, and College of Business faculty mentors will follow. We hope your Junior Patriot can join us for this exciting event!
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Coloring and Craft Activity - ages infant -10 years
Fenwick Library, Room 1014 A & B
Dive into a captivating exhibition showcasing a diverse selection of children and young adult books and media, all ready to be explored and borrowed. Get creative with coloring and activity sheets galore in Fenwick 1014 A&B and indulge in delicious food and refreshing beverages as you delve into the literary wonders. Plus, don't miss your opportunity to win big in our raffle, with three fabulous book prizes up for grabs!
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Playtime for Connection and Well-Being - all ages
Merten Lawn
Engage in playtime with facilitators from Playful Campus to explore how coming together in play allows us to try new things, connect with others, and engage in a feeling of flow.
Piece by Piece: Spreading Kindness - all ages
Merten Lawn
Join the Mason Chooses Kindness team for a fun and creative activity as part of Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day! You and your Junior Patriot can design and color your own blank jigsaw puzzles with uplifting messages and artwork, spreading kindness to ourselves, others, and the world, one piece at a time. This hands-on session is a great way to inspire positivity, spark creativity, and remind everyone that even small acts of kindness fit together to make a big impact. Come be a part of something special—because kindness is the missing piece we all need!
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Leaf a Life You Love - all ages (drop-in sessions from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Johnson Center, South Plaza
Want to eat more leafy greens, but don’t know where to start? Stop by the Greenhouse & Gardens Program’s seasonal cooking event booth to taste and learn about delicious salad greens and microgreens grown on-campus. Win prizes for guessing which green is which through our taste test. Do you like spicy flavors? You’ll be able to identify the purple mustard really quickly! Do you like lemon sour tastes? The French sorrel leaves are so tasty! Prizes include take-home grow kits, houseplants, seeds, and produce. Learn more about getting involved in the hydroponic greenhouse and organic gardens on-campus. Anyone can volunteer by registering on the University Sustainability webpage.
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Get Active with Athletics: Soccer Clinic - all ages
George Mason Field House
Enhance your soccer skills during a soccer skills clinic hosted by the men's and women's soccer programs.
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Literacy Engagement Action Project - ages infant - 10 years
Merten Lawn
Stop by to receive pre-k and elementary grade learner-focused literacy materials to support teachers, families, and students.
Finding Harmony - ages infant - 10 years
The HUB, Room 1012
Contemporary Student Services helps parenting students and caregivers year-round to find harmony with their competing roles and responsibilities. We are excited to welcome parenting faculty and staff and their children to see our family-friendly lounge space and make popsicle stick harmonicas with us.
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Fire Safety and EHS Experience - all ages
Police and Safety Headquarters, Second Floor
Visit three stations hosted by the Risk, Safety, and Resilience team to learn all about fire safety and environmental health and safety! Learn to use a fire extinguisher and discover ways we keep your grown-ups safe while working at George Mason University with hands-on activities.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
I Want to Spend Time Outdoors, Now What? - all ages
Outside of Skyline Fitness Center
Interested in spending time outdoors, but not sure where to start? No worries! We will teach you everything you need to know. In this session you will learn how to put up a tent and make s'mores!
Picnic on the Lawn - all ages
Merten Lawn
Bring your own picnic and join fellow George Mason parents and guardians on the Merten Lawn for engaging conversation and casual play. Hosted by the Working Moms Support Employee Resource Group, it's a perfect opportunity to connect with others in the George Mason community.
Lawn Games - all ages
Merten Lawn
Join us for a range of lawn games (corn hole, yard Jenga, Viking chess, ladder ball, etc.) as we embrace the importance of play and physical activity, socialization, and fair play for our mental well-being and senses of community belonging. Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance (Employee Resource Group).
Bubbles and Connections - all ages
Merten Lawn
Join the Military Spouse and Partners Employee Resource Group for a fun afternoon of bubbles, outdoor games, and connection with the George Mason community. Mark your deployments on our Mason Military Families map and share experiences with others. It's a great way to meet new people and make lasting memories!
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
First Responder Fun: Touch-a-Truck Extravaganza - all ages
Road between Merten Hall and the Rappahannock Parking Garage
Join George Mason Police and the local Fire Department to touch, explore, and learn about police cars, fire trucks, and emergency vehicles. Meet first responders and discover the roles they play in the safety of our community.
Corner Pocket and Ice Cream - all ages
The HUB, Corner Pocket
Join Student Centers and University Life for a sweet ice cream treat and a fun afternoon of billiards, table tennis, air hockey, arcade games, virtual reality, and more in the Corner Pocket game room located at The Hub.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Discovering George Mason: A Guided Tour for Junior Patriots - all ages
George Mason Statue > Fenwick Library
Enjoy a campus walking tour led by the Admissions Office. The tour will start at the George Mason Statue and end at Fenwick Library.
Computer Game Design and the Virginia Serious Game Institute - ages 11 - 18 years
Art & Design Building, Room 2002
What does it take to create a Computer Game? Join us and find out about the classes offered in our program to help you decide if this is your passion.
All-Day Exclusive Deals
Bookstore Discount
Van Metre Hall, First Floor
Get your Mason pride on with a 20% discount on all George Mason Gear and branded products at the Bookstore! Just flash your Mason ID in-store to enjoy this exclusive offer.
Mason Square Café Discount
Van Metre Hall, First Floor
A tasty deal for Junior Patriots! Children ages 2 - 15 can enjoy a hot dog or grilled cheese, plus chips and a drink for $5.50 on the kid's menu.
All-Day Activities: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Library Coloring and Crafts - all ages
Mason Square Library, Van Metre Hall, Second Floor
Channel your creativity in the calm and quiet of the Mason Square Library. Delightful crafts, coloring pages, and snacks will be provided to enhance the magic of the library.
Office Window Art - all ages
Van Metre Hall, Room 220 and 222 Office Windows
Bring color to the campus! Use window markers to beautify the office windows of Campus Administration and University Life Mason Square.
Plaza Amenities - all ages
The Plaza at Mason Square
Join us on the Plaza and enjoy some of our free amenities. Plaza amenities include the Maker Space Cart, Book Cart, Games Cart, Ping Pong, Lawn Games, and more!
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
GMU PD Activities - all ages
The Van Metre Hall Auditorium
Come learn about what the GMU PD does and join the fun activities and presentations they have planned. Each session will include dressing up like a GMU cop, a demo on latent fingerprinting, 911 coloring pages, and an EOD K9 unit demo from Lt. John O'Hare and K9 Titan.
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Storytime with the Mason Square Library - all ages
The Plaza at Mason Square
Immerse your little ones in the favorite stories and picture books of the Mason Square Library team. Pull up a seat, cushion, or beanbag chair and savor hearing new or treasured stories.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
GMU PD Activities - all ages
The Van Metre Hall Auditorium
Come learn about what the GMU PD does and join the fun activities and presentations they have planned. Each session will include dressing up like a GMU cop, a demo on latent fingerprinting, 911 coloring pages, and an EOD K9 unit demo from Lt. John O'Hare and K9 Titan.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Game Central - ages 6 - 18 years
Van Metre Hall, Room 211
Let's play! Bring your A-game and enjoy playing a board game, card game, puzzle, or one of the games on Mason Square University Life's Nintendo Switch on the big screen.
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tiny Stage - all ages
The Plaza at Mason Square
Enjoy live music while you eat lunch outside on the Plaza at Mason Square. This week's Tiny Stage musician is Maria Peguero who can be found performing all over the DMV solo or with her groups, Maria and the Sacred Hearts or Bongo District.
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
GMU PD Aircraft Display - all ages
The Plaza at Mason Square
Join the GMU PD to learn and watch a small drone display outside on the Plaza.
1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Get Moving: Dance Class - all ages
The Plaza at Mason Square
Feel the beat and follow along as Ferocity Dance Company leads a kid and "kid at heart" dance class. There are no wrong steps as we dance our worries and wiggles out!
All-Day Exclusive Deals
Randall's Café Discount
Colgan Hall, First Floor
Pick your favorite meal! Celebrate with a cheeseburger, hamburger, 2-piece chicken tenders, or a personal pizza plus a drink for $5.50.
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
University Life/The Source: Arts and Crafts - all ages
The Source, Katherine Johnson Hall, Room 122
Kick off your morning with University Life and get crafty! Decorate rocks and mini pots with colorful acrylic markers!
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Behind the Scenes at the Hylton Performing Arts Center - ages 6-18
Didlake Grand Foyer
The Hylton Center invites you to look behind-the-scenes at the inner workings of backstage: lights, audio, sets, and more. Join us to learn more about the magic of the performing arts!
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Library Tour & Coloring Activities - all ages
Mercer Library
Explore the wonders of the Mercer Library! Leave your artistic mark by coloring a book to be showcased in our display cases.
Plus, in the spirit of collaboration, Junior Patriots are invited to share in a drawing exercise called, Collaborative Creatures. With prompts, they combine the features of multiple drawings resulting in fun mashups that are totally out of this world. We also invite our young artists to help name these creatures and share short narratives about them, and what they eat and enjoy.
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Freedom Center Open Swim - all ages
Freedom Center
Enjoy a break in the day and cool off with a swim in our leisure pool!
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
"Brown Bag" Picnic on the Green - all ages
Sco-Field by the Pavilion
The SciTech Executive Office and University Life will be hosting a Picnic on the Green. Bring your own Brown Bag lunch or pick up a bite from Randall's $5.50 Junior Patriot Day menu, and join us for music, fun, and lawn games including horseshoes, bocce ball, cornhole, and giant Connect Four and Jenga. Each registered Junior Patriot will receive a sweet treat and a Mason frisbee!
There are several sustainability features and initiatives on Mason’s Fairfax campus that you can actually interact with, volunteer at, or just visit. These include green buildings, campus gardens, stormwater features, zero waste installations, bike check outs, EV charging, living lab sites, wildlife areas and more.
Explore the University Sustainability Map/Walking Tour of Sustainability!