Town of Clayton Welcomes Future Leaders on Take Your Child to Work Day
A group of 30 local children is walking away with a newfound understanding of what it takes to respond to an emergency, keep essential utilities running, and organize a community arts production. Through hands-on experiences, they gained a greater appreciation for the teamwork, skill, and planning involved in these vital services. By stepping into the shoes of local government employees, they now have a clearer view of how their Town functions and how they might play a part in it one day.
On Thursday, April 24, the Town of Clayton offered kids the chance to contribute to their community during Take Your Child to Work Day. Children of Town employees were invited to explore the many departments that help keep Clayton running smoothly every day.
“My favorite part was when we got to spray the water at the fire department,” said 11-year-old Jackson Bryant, who spent part of the day learning about fire safety and response.
They spent time with staff from fire, police, inspections, electric, cultural arts, public works, water, engineering, human resources, and the library. Children participated in hands-on activities, asked questions, and engaged with employees who shared what makes their jobs special.
“Yes,” said 14-year-old James Damarripo, when asked if the day helped him think about his future career. “I’m going to be an electrician, so I want to learn how electricity works and how houses are wired.”
Each child received an official Town of Clayton badge with their photo. This keepsake helped them feel like part of the team as they moved from one department to the next. The day also included group discussions and interactive demonstrations to showcase how teamwork and dedication contribute to making Clayton a great place to live and work.
“We got to see the fire trucks, and there was a bus,” said nine-year-old Sawyer Shelton. “That was my favorite part because I’ve never been on a bus.”
“Take Your Child to Work Day is a wonderful opportunity for employees to share their passion for public service with their children and families,” said Town Manager Rich Cappola. “It helps foster a deeper sense of pride in the work we do every day. For the Town, this day may even inspire future employees who could return one day as part of our dedicated team. It’s not just about showing children the value of public service. It’s about connecting with the next generation of leaders who may shape Clayton’s future.”
Take Your Child to Work Day also helps children discover careers in local government, giving them a better sense of what their parents or caregivers do each day. For some, it may even spark an interest in a future job with the Town of Clayton.
“Oh, I don’t know,” giggled five-year-old Indi Melton when asked what she thought her dad does at work daily.
“The Town of Clayton is proud to support events, like this one, that inspire young minds and bring families together,” added Cappola.
This event is part of a nationwide tradition that encourages career exploration and family engagement. Each year, more than 37 million Americans across 3.5 million workplaces take part, according to the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, giving children firsthand insight into a wide range of professions.
