2012 Udaleku application available online
Every year since the early 1970′s N.A.B.O., in conjunction with one of the Basque clubs, has organized Udaleku – a two-week Basque Culture Summer Camp. Participants have an opportunity to learn more about their Basque heritage while having fun and making new friends.
- David Navailles, Udaleku 2011, San Francisco
Udaleku 2011 took place in San Francisco during the second part of June. This summer, it will take place in Boise during the two weeks before the yearly San Inazio celebration. The idea is to have a two-week camp open to kids 10 to 15 years old, and applications would be made available online at the N.A.B.O. website in February. The camp will be capped at 105 participants on a first come, first serve basis. Udaleku changes focus with each area, and the area of specialty scheduled for next year is Gipuzkoa.
For those interested in having their kids participate in Udaleku 2012, the application form is available online today on NABO’s website. There will be no paper applications. Applicants can secure their spot in the camp with a non-refundable $50 deposit to be made through the PayPal online link. Full tuition will be due after May 1, and before May 15.
The Aita Martxel Tillous Fund application is also available online. The deadline for this application is April 1. Applicants will be notified of the results no later than April 20.
It has been 8 years since Udaleku came to Boise. Valerie, as well as everyone in N.A.B.O. , is thrilled that a new generation of campers might have a chance to experience the hospitality of the Boise Basque community. Many have gotten a taste of that community through Jaialdi, but Udaleku gives participants a chance to really get to know the people who make this a special place.
On a personal note, Valerie’s first Udaleku (back when it was called Music Camp) was in Boise and she’s kept up those friendships throughout the years. She says that the stories from that camp often come up when she and her friends start reminiscing. ”Who can forget being woken up to the sound of Anise Mendiola hitting a frying pan, or Mentxaka teaching txistu?”, she laughs. “Some people who embodied the spirit of the Boise Basque community are now gone, such as Jimmy Jausoro,” she remembers, “but it will be with great pleasure that I will send my children to make their own memories and friends in Boise.”
