Calming Cave
It is immediately different. Moving from the hustle and bustle of fast feet, high stimulation, and collisions of noises, the quiet, dim, comfort of the calming cave offers a unique respite. After a year of planning, observing, and tweaking, Wise Wonder’s Children’s Museum is proud of the newly implemented calming cave that was made possible through a grant from the AJ Blain Foundation. As AJ believed strongly in the vision of healthy, connected leaders, he recognized that one needs a space to reflect and honor the emotions that are present in each of us. Our future leaders are our children; why not start encouraging this growth now?
While the museum is highly stimulating, encouraging meaningful learning, and offering spaces to get all the wiggles out, the calming cave is a thoughtful, reflective space full of varying textures that allows children and parents the opportunity to slow down and connect with themselves and each other.
As one child mentioned of being in the calming cave, “I can learn about my thoughts in here.” What a gift to have a space to allow us all to move out of the complexity of the world and into a space of calm where we can hear and honor our own thoughts.
Shawna Bonini stated with pride, “Everything in the cave is touchable and it intentionally offers opportunities for children to let their guards down. It is totally different from any other place in town.” She continued telling stories of children who will lay for hours in the cave, watching the bubbles and finding comfort in the calm. Occasionally we find mothers and babies, siblings, and friends resting quietly together as well. “Daily I hear gratitude for this exhibit at the museum,” Shawna added, “and we are grateful to the AJ Blain Foundation for making it possible!”
The museum is currently working on a rocket ship and have hopes to implement a helicopter to expand their aviation exhibits in the near future. We are excited to see what is yet to come!