Three hundred military and civilian children experienced the cutting edge of military technology firsthand during Picatinny Arsenal’s 20th annual Bring Your Child to Work Day. The event, which was held in tandem with the arsenal’s Introduce a Teen to Engineering Day, offered local youth a deep dive into how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) directly support the American warfighter.
The highly anticipated event has grown immensely popular since its inception in 2006. According to Armaments Center Records Manager Jane Krueger, registration topped 500 applicants this year, requiring the base to implement a waitlist. Due to strict military installation security protocols, capacity was capped at exactly 300 participants—split between 200 children aged 12 and under and 100 older teenagers.
To provide maximum impact, organizers divided the attendees by age group to deliver tailored, age-appropriate programming. Younger children and teenagers alike toured the installation, climbing aboard massive military hardware including the M1A1 Abrams tank and the M109 self-propelled howitzer. They also visited the Rapid Prototype Facility’s machine shop to see how 3D printing is utilized directly on modern battlefields.
For the teenagers, the day also doubled as a career networking opportunity. High school-aged participants were given a glimpse into the base’s inner workings, exploring job sectors such as resource management, safety planning, fire and emergency services, and the Army Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division. Teens were even encouraged to bring resumes to pass along to hiring managers on site.
A major highlight for the older students was a tour of the brand-new Experimental Verification and Validation Assessment Lab. In the lab, teens observed real-time tracking of acute stress responses—commonly known as the “fight or flight” mechanism. Utilizing advanced motion-capture technology, heart rate monitors, and eye-tracking hardware, researchers demonstrated how computers log human body responses under pressure.
The event frequently serves as a long-term recruitment tool for the New Jersey base. Krueger noted that multiple current full-time employees at Picatinny first walked through the gates years ago as participants in this exact program.
“It’s about the kids, and it’s about the smiles on their faces,” Krueger said. “Just seeing the impact of this event, and how it’s changed kids’ lives—it has helped them think that this is what they want to do. To have several who are now employed at Picatinny is a testament to hosting events like this.”
The sentiment was shared by base leadership and parents alike. Andy Ciccolella, Director of Family and MWR, emphasized that the day helps kids connect with what their parents do every day, showcasing why their defense contributions are so vital to national security.
Piotr Czerechowski, an aerospace engineer at the arsenal, brought his son Noah and daughter Sabina to the event. “My son is always talking about labs, science and engineering work,” Czerechowski said. “It’s exciting, seeing this interest develop in science and technology, with that little spark I had when I was a kid and got me invested.”
Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from base families, organizers have already solidified plans to continue the tradition next year. The 2027 event is officially scheduled for Thursday, April 22.
