Exhibit celebrates children’s mental health

AUGUSTA — Crisis & Counseling Centers and its G.E.A.R. Parent Network will launch an interactive exhibit to celebrate children’s mental health at the Children’s Discovery Museum, 171 Capital St. The Lynn Duby Zen Den, named in recognition of the agency’s long-time and recently retired chief executive officer, will open Tuesday, Feb. 17. Maine families can visit the museum free of charge for the Zen Den’s grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m.

Designed to offer a space for children and parents to relax and recharge in an otherwise very stimulating environment, the exhibit includes a loveseat and books to help children understand their emotions, and low-energy activities such as a felt wall, according to a press release from Crisis & Counseling Centers. Together, families can listen to the sounds of the ocean and soak up the ions exuding from a Himalayan salt lamp.

“The goal of this exhibit is for kids to achieve a sense of peace and emerge out into the museum feeling calmed,” said G.E.A.R. Program Director Cindy Seekins in the release.

The Museum offers exhibits and events that creatively complement educational resources and are designed to promote self-directed learning in youth from birth to 9 years old.

G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents and caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral health needs to effect life decisions based on their family’s individual strengths and needs. Contact G.E.A.R. Parent Network for guidance at 800-264-9224, or visit gearparentnetwork.org.

Crisis & Counseling Centers is an Augusta-based nonprofit serving individuals, families and children with behavioral health needs, including substance abuse, mental health and co-occurring disorders. In addition, the agency is the sole provider of crisis services for Kennebec and Somerset counties and provides 24-hour-a-day crisis services to those in need. The agency also offers the Maine Mothers Network for pregnant and parenting women using substances.