Memories: ‘Kursa is a magical place’

Posted on by Indra Ekmane

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

Memories: My 4 weeks at Kursa

Posted on by Indra Ekmane
Erlands and Caleb perform for Talent Night.

So go the years, so go the days,
Everything once beautiful will pass
But one memory will always remain
The most beautiful time was ,,Kursa”

My name is Erlands and I am from Liepāja, Latvia. I study at Liepājas Music, Art and Design High School. This is the second year I attended “Kursa.” This year was idfferent from the last in that we had four weeks to spend at Kursa, which allowed us to get to know one another better, and enjoy our surroundings. 

Kursa has its own special traditions and culture: table songs, flag raising, folk dancing, poetry evenings, and, of course, pranks. The school always has a particular goal, with specific and interesting classes that lead to productive results. Kursa has the goal of improving Latvian language vocabulary and experiencing our national culture and traditions. After spending a second year at Kursa, I realize that it is my second home with a big family, where each one of us is special and unique.

I am very thankful to the Latvian community in Seattle and the Bellevue-Liepāja sister cities for the opportunity to attend Kursa, and of course, Indra Ekmanis, who helped me as well. I wish you all the best and hope that Kursa will last forever. See you next year.

Erland
Age 16 | Liepāja, Latvia

21 days in the Kursa atmosphere

Posted on by Indra Ekmane

Kursa is the first summer camp I have ever been to. I never had any interest in them before. But Kursa is no ordinary summer program, it is something much more than that. My time at Kursa has been full of value and emotion. In just a few days, it felt like one big family. Although I already speak Latvian fluently and am from Latvia, I learned a lot at Kursa: how to forge a new ring, dance folk dances, play chess and write poetry. Kursa is a place for anyone who wants to feel close to Latvia in America. It is a little Latvia, you can see it in the surroundings and in the people. But Kursa also has its own traditions, which I learned about later – or should I say, at night. A big part of Kursa is the “nightlife,” with pranks (good-natured) or walks. After these three wonderfully-spent weeks I can say that Kursa is a place to connect with your Latvianness and meet American Latvian young people. I really hope that I will have the opportunity to come back next year, so that I can continue to enjoy Latvian folklore and life at Kursa.

I would like to thank all those who gave me the opportunity to attend these three weeks at Kursa, especially the initiative of new director Indra Ekmane.

See you soon!

— Erlands Griezītis, 14 (Liepāja, Latvia)
LBVŠ 2016 scholarship recipient

Rotkalšana Kursā
Erlands Griezītis and metalwork teacher, Andris Rūtiņš, create an ethnographic-inspired ring.

Caleb Beideck: First year at Kursa a wonderful experience

Posted on by Indra Ekmane

My first week here at Kursa has been a wonderful experience full of fun and learning. During even such a short time, I have already learned so much about the language and culture of Latvia. I’m sure that thanks to the wonderful teachers, I will continue to learn tons more over the rest of my stay. The staff here are all wonderfully supportive and talented. The food is always absolutely delicious. Every day is a new adventure in my culture. I’m so excited to keep working with my Kursa family. Read more at ALJAziņas.

— Caleb Beideck, 16
ALJA 2016 scholarship recipient

Latvian kitchen 2016
Maija Atvara leads the Latvian cuisine interest group. Students: Anna Akots, Aleks Brainerd, Krišjānis Lūsis, Caleb Beideck, Erlands Griezītis, Lauren Barlow