euskalkultura.eus

By Ander Egiluz, Julen Larrañaga, Irati Del Rio, Oihana Otegi and Kristobal Zelaieta

Udaleku in Bakersfield is over.  The 102 boys and girls who participated enjoyed the opportunity every day to participate in various activities with the Basque language as the common denominator; mus, dance, song, txistu and pilota as well as classes and games in Basque were some of the activities that took place at the Kern County Basque clubhouse, in Bakersfield.

To this outings were also added to go bowling, a visit to a dairy, a movie.  Meal time also brought moments to share all that we have taken in in the midst of a healthy atmosphere of camaraderie.

[Instructors and organizers contribute to the success of each Udaleku (photo Udaleku 2013)]

On our part, we the instructors, tried from the first day to use Euskera during the various activities throughout the day, to not limit its presence only to Euskera class times.  This was also a way to show our English-speaking students that for us, speaking Basque is natural and used in everyday activities, from playing mus to playing pilota.

We think that we have succeeded to a large extent in having the students use Basque outside of class, as much as they could anyway.  In this area, we thing that the decision to bring Basque speaking instructors form the Basque Country has made a very positive impact on the children who participated.

[Basque dance classes in the fronton (photo Udaleku 2013)]

They have also realized that this language that is spoken here by their grandparents and other older people is also a means of communication among the younger generations and that is especially relevant, since the instructors become an important reference for the children.

As one parent told us, “You, the instructors, are “cool” to the kids and to hear people who are considered “cool” speak Basque regularly is something that leaves an impression and continues to be important to them.”

It is also a new reference for those who have never been to the Basque Country and in this way become more acquainted to the Basque Country of today.

There is no doubt that the campers had a great time during these two weeks and that they will return home with many wonderful memories.

Udaleku is over and while everyone has already gone home, to their city and state of origin, life goes on and the camp has worked to reinforce the network that unites Basque-Americans, American-Basques.

[Youth having fun in one of the classes at this year’s Udaleku (photo Udaleku2013)]

This is not to underestimate the value of Udaleku as a meeting point for old friends as well as a place to make new friends that in the end represent the future of the Basque diaspora.

Many people have stressed the importance of Udaleku to us as a way to promote and establish solidarity and relationships between Basque clubs.

We also want to take advantage of this opportunity provided by EuskalKultura.com to thank everyone who collaborated in Udaleku, made it a reality again this year and to everyone who has graced us with their presence and good humor throughout the two weeks, as well as to everyone who has made us feel at home.

Without this attitude, Udaleku would not have the energy that it has.

We also want to thank them for their contribution to another successful edition of Udaleku.

Signed by Basque Country instructors: Ander Egiluz, Julen Larrañaga, Irati Del Rio, Oihana Otegi, and  Kristobal Zelaieta.