I’d like to start off with a liels paldies to everyone who helped me attend all four weeks of Kursa this year. During those four weeks I learned more Latvian than I ever thought was possible, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Kursa is certainly a magical place, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to return this year.
One of my favorite things about Kursa is the music; I rarely have the opportunity in my everyday life to sing in Latvian – at Kursa, I’m surrounded by the songs of my culture. You can ask just about anyone, the only time I wasn’t singing was when I was either sleeping or stuffing my face with the phenomenal food the camp has to offer.
I said it last year, and I’ll say it again — skābeņu zūpa is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And that’s not the only delectable dish served at Kursa, from pīragi to pankūkas, everything tastes like it was made in paradise. We’re very blessed to have the kitchen in such capable hands. The stereotype of inedible camp food certainly doesn’t apply here.
I am so very lucky that I was able to have such an extraordinary experience this summer, and I hope that I’ll have the same opportunity to attend next year. So once again, thank you to the Oregon Latvian Society, American Latvian Association, and my wonderful family for making Kursa a reality for me.
— Caleb, 17
Portland, Oregon
