Define Normal

Western culture has taught us all to seek that level of perfection, we now call “normal.” However, if we are completely honest with ourselves, we understand on a philosophical level, normal is a concept that does not, and, has never existed. 
 
Nonetheless, we will go to the ends of the earth to try to track it down or force it upon others.  “Why can’t you just be normal?” Has probably been uttered (either loudly or under the breath) by every parent at least once in every child’s life.
 
It is the very same notion that drives the psychiatric community’s obsession with diagnosing and then medicating our younger generations. Oh snap - your child is not behaving normally; we just so happen to have a label and (coincidentally) a drug for that.
 
Let’s say it again loudly for the folks, in the back – normal is a concept that, quite simply, has been created by a consumeristic society to sell empty promises and keep us all in line.
 
Consequently, DRC is filled with kids who were courageous enough to escape a coercive system that told them they are not good enough (there is something wrong with them) because they refused to comply or fit in. When they find us, we have to reassure them that that they are not irreparably broken. Nor are they bad, dumb, disreputable, inferior, evil, or untrustworthy.  In all honesty, repairing damaged spirits is what takes up most of our time and energy.  These kids cannot (are not going to) move forward until they see themselves as whole, capable individuals.
 
I am here to tell them, not only can we not define normal – the state of mediocrity they were being urged into is boring as hell.  Who wants to be regular, when you can be extraordinary?  Who would choose to be unexceptional, when you can be inspiring?  Who would ask to be average, when you can be compelling and influential?  The answer to all of the above: those folks who have been sold a line of bull and who work unreasonably hard to meld with the crowd.

DRC Peeps - doing their "Awesome" selves

Our consistent message to every DRC Peep - stop trying to force your beautifully unique self into the standard, and mundane box you were assigned.  Live large. Embrace your idiosyncrasies. Climb out on a limb – do the scary thing you have always wanted to do. Go - play, create, imagine, invent, screw-up, influence, energize, organize, be kind, and share, but, above all, be yourself - not the someone others have told you to be.
 
You can, absolutely, be that wacky, out there, over-the-top, witty, quiet, contemplative, studious, experimental, observant, curious, perceptive, pragmatic, dramatic, athletic, or energetic – authentic you, who is not afraid to make mistakes, learn new things, have fun, and grow!
 
 
DRC News
 
Join us
DRC is accepting applications for next year.  We are very close to our maximum number of student members and will begin a waiting list when we have reached capacity.  If your child is interested in checking us out, please schedule an appointment in the next two weeks to be sure they have a chance at becoming members this coming year.

Spring cleaning? De-cluttering? DRC will take any items (no clothing) you are shedding from your home and life.  Get in touch if you have anything you would like to donate. 
 
Summer Opportunity – June, July, and August
 
Every Friday, Christopher Raymo, the DRC Seedlings Coordinator, will be offering a martial arts class to anyone who is interested.  Contact us for more info and to register.