Junior Patriots visited campus for ‘the best day ever’

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George Mason University welcomed more than 200 “Junior Patriots” to its campuses on Thursday, April 25, for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work. Faculty and staff brought the youth in their lives to campus to learn what it's like to work at George Mason.


Young child hugs the Patriot mascot in front of the Johnson Center
Photo provided

The Faculty and Staff Engagement team in Human Resources collaborated with campus partners to offer activities for many ages and interests. One young attendee said it was “the best day ever.”

Toddler stands in front of the new George Mason logo installation on Wilkins Plaza
Take Your Junior Patriot to Work coincided with the reveal of George Mason's new logo on Wilkins Plaza that day. Photo provided

Participants enjoyed a scavenger hunt, reading circles, crafts, a tour of the Fuse at Mason Square construction site, a soccer clinic with George Mason men’s soccer players, touch-a-truck with Mason Police, seed-sowing in the Potomac Heights vegetable garden, a Junior Patriot Pitch competition, and more. 

Mason staff member and her kids do crafts at the library on campus
Photo provided
“Gideon loved his day as a Junior Patriot, from climbing the Mason Police truck to eating at the dining hall, but his favorite moment was meeting the Patriot. He had a truly special day. Thank you to the those who helped organize such a memorable event.” –Julia Tungli, Information Technology Services
Mason employee and children participate in tie-dye activity on Merten Lawn
Photo provided
“My son's favorite activity was meeting and playing with the men's soccer team!” –Valerie Barr, Office of Admissions
Junior Patriots practice soccer with members of the Mason men's soccer team
Junior Patriots enjoyed a practice session with members of the George Mason men's soccer team. Photo provided
“My little one is just one and a half, so she was honestly just happy to have a fun day with Mommy! That said, I so appreciate the thought and care that went into planning the activities for this year. It was a great lineup for lots of different ages.” –Kristen Wright, Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL)
Participants in the Junior Patriot Pitch competition
Junior Patriot Pitch participants. Photo provided

 

Child plays a game on the plaza at Mason Square
Photo provided

 

Child tries on a Mason Police vest at Take Your Junior Patriot to Work day
Photo provided
Child stands with the Patriot mascot
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Next year’s Take Your Junior Patriots to Work event is planned for Thursday, April 24, 2025.