The Kids Discover Egypt Workshop (KDEW) recently made a much-anticipated return to CSUSB’s Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) this July. This marked the first time since 2019 that the workshop was held in person, allowing young participants to dive deep into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt. KDEW was conducted over two sessions, each spanning three days — July 16-18 and July 23-25 — with daily activities running from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Designed for children ages 6-13, the workshop was limited to 20 participants per session to create an intimate and engaging environment. KDEW offered an immersive educational experience where children explored various aspects of ancient Egyptian history and culture through interactive crafts and activities. Participants had the opportunity to create Canopic Jars, take part in an archeological dig, and engage in numerous other hands-on projects. Kids also had the opportunity to view RAFFMA’s unique and extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, a rarity for university museums.

The Kids Discover Egypt Workshop participants enjoyed participating in an archaeological dig, one of several activities organized by museum staff for the event.
The Kids Discover Egypt Workshop participants enjoyed participating in an archaeological dig, one of several activities organized by museum staff for the event.

Erika Kelley, along with other RAFFMA staff members, student assistants and trained docents, led the event, ensuring that every participant received the guidance and support they needed to fully engage with the workshop’s content. The atmosphere throughout the sessions was lively and filled with enthusiasm, as the children eagerly participated in each activity.

The excitement was evident among the children, with one young participant expressing their reluctance to leave by saying to their guardian, "But I want to stay!" Another child, while leaving with their parent, excitedly recounted the activities of the day, showcasing the impact and enjoyment the workshop provided. When asked if they had fun, one child eagerly exclaimed, "I would come back next year," capturing the overall sentiment of the group. The children’s enthusiasm was contagious, and their energy and interest in learning about ancient Egypt made KDEW a resounding success.

About RAFFMA

The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, serves a dual mission to exhibit and collect both ancient and contemporary art. It hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Located at California State University, San Bernardino, RAFFMA presents one of the largest public displays of ancient Egyptian art in Southern California.

The museum offers a variety of opportunities providing valuable hands-on work experience and preparation for future museum-related careers for CSUSB students. It is also a great museum for K-12 school field trips. When you visit RAFFMA, you find it’s more than a museum – it’s an unforgettable experience. 

The museum is open to the public free of charge Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with extended hours Wednesday and Thursday evenings till 6 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Suggested donation is $3. Parking at Cal State San Bernardino is $3-6 per vehicle, depending on duration ($3 on weekends).