For 50 years, Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee in Floral City, Florida, has specialized in helping girls 12- 18 reach their full potential and prepare them for future success. Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee is a fully licensed substance abuse treatment program and an accredited residential school.

Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee is an alternative to traditional boarding schools and education programs for troubled and at-risk girls. In a safe and holistic environment emphasizing mind, body and spirit, the approach combines:

• individualized, assessment-driven academics
• individual, group and family counseling
• high-interest outdoor adventure activities

Creating Dramatic Skits to help Girls Grow

At Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee there is a time-honored tradition before every home stay visit.  (Home stay visits are when the girls return home to visit their families (about every 8 weeks) from a Thursday to a Monday.)

The night before the girls will dress up and celebrate with a camp-wide dinner party.  After the dinner, each group will perform a short skit that they have created, planned, and practiced.  It is a special time where the groups can demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and theatrical drama.

“I have been lucky enough to have seen several party day skits over the years and the therapeutic benefits are clear,” says Raquel Saavedra, Director of Referral Development for Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee.

Drama Therapy is used to achieve Therapeutic Goals at Eckerd Connects Camp E-Nini-Hassee

The North American Drama Association defines drama therapy as “the intentional use of drama and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals.”  At E-Nini-Hassee these skits allow the girls to work together as a team, enhance the positive peer culture, and practice their individual goals.

The creative exercise of the skit also allows girls to work together and practice their communication, leadership and listening skills.  The whole group must work together to come up with the theme of their skit and then create it from start to finish. 

The girls practice their lines and create costumes to bring the characters of each skit to life.  This activity also helps each new camper feel like she is part of her group, as each role is important to development of the story.  The group must use the strengths of each girl during the performance. 

Bringing the Team Together and Sharing the Spotlight

“I have seen seemingly timid girls get up and perform a solo rap in front of everyone, while those that are the usual leaders step back and share the limelight with their peers,” Raquel continues.

Theatre and drama are very therapeutic for individuals of any age.  Recent studies show the benefits of drama therapy in helping adolescents build confidence and work through anxiety and depression. 

At E-Nini-Hassee the group skit is a tradition that brings everyone closer, helps many girls find their voice, and sparks the love of the dramatic arts in each and every camper.

Eckerd Connects E-Nini-Hassee Information

E-Nini-Hassee was founded in 1969 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd as the first outdoor therapeutic program for troubled girls in the Southeast U.S.

At E-Nini-Hassee, the Eckerds created a positive, strength-based environment for girls ages 12-18 to experience nurturing guidance. Students are able to see adults role modeling appropriate behaviors, learn in an educational setting with passionate teachers and participate in therapeutic outdoor adventures during their time at the school. E-Nini-Hassee helps girls fully realize the potential that already exists within them.

Camp E-Nini-Hassee is situated on 840 acres of picturesque woodlands, just one hour from both Tampa and Orlando, at 7027 E. Stage Coach Trail, in Floral City, Florida. The phone number is 352-726-3883.

Detailed information about the program, an application, tuition information, a digital brochure, and all other important information can be located on their website at www.eckerdhelpsgirls.org.