The first part of Summer 2010 were marked by two NABO Basque youth events in Reno (Udaleku) and Elko (Beti Gazte picnic).  Here's a look back-- and what will be next year--as NABO efforts will continue to keep our youth involved.

Related link:  Euskalkazeta.com article about the Elko Star Hotel's 100th anniversary

PART I:  Basque youth 10-15 years old Udaleku in Reno, Nevada This year's camp was hosted by the "Zazpiak-Bat" Basque Club of Reno, Nevada.  Organizers and volunteers put on a great camp! Udaleku 2010 powerpoint summary Udaleku main page

A total of 80 participants (limited because of housing and teaching quality) came from over a dozen NABO Basque organizations, but also a handful came from the Basque Country.  The camp was coordinated by Kate Camino, Odette Daniels & Cherie Valcarce Sarratea.

During the two weeks of Udaleku, participants went to various classes on different aspects of Basque culture.  This year's quality instructors were:  Lisa Corcostegui (culture), Eneko Espino (txistu), Joseba Etxarri (Song), Monique Flesher (Mus), Izaskun Kortazar (Euskara), Jexux Larrea (Dance) & Marcelino Ugalde (Pala).  They were assisted by Udaleku aides Sebastian Calderon, Matt Fosse, Kristina Franzoia, Harkaitz Perez, Gaven Sarratea & Angela Tipton.

A creative, funny take on the tradition of the Lege Zaharrak (old Basque laws) and the centrality of the tree of Gernika was produced by the participants.  To view this video clip click on Lege Zaharrak (mpeg).

Udaleku rotates through geographic regions, each with a different dance focus to vary what kids learn.  This year's dance concentration was on the province of Bizkaia.  This is the Maigainekoa ("on top of the table) dance from Markina.

Udaleku director Kate Camino (L in costume) and NABO President Valerie Arrechea (on microphone) expressing gratitude to the host families, who opened their homes to host the visiting kids:

The motto for the two-week camp is that of our Basque ancestors:  "work hard, play hard."  Kids learned about various aspects of Basque culture every day, but they were all the while having fun going to different events and participating in activities.  To view the opening slideshow (shaky handheld version) showing what the kids were doing over the two weeks of camp, click on Udaleku 2010 slideshow (mpeg).

PART II:  Beti Gazte picnic in Elko, Nevada Related link:  Gazteak: Basque Youth

Keeping Basque young adults connected to Basque culture is central to keeping Basqueness alive and well into the 21st century.  This NABO committee seeks to find ways of gathering youth, and one of these events was a picnic gathering in Elko, NV

Basque young adults at the Beti Gazte picnic that was held in conjunction with the 47th annual Elko Basque Festival. 

In between the afternoon events at the Elko fairgrounds, and the dance later that night, the picnic was a perfect bridge for young adults to get together and talk and relax.

Some quickly turned to the Mus cards!  The point was to provide Basque young adults a chance to meet others from different communities.

Beti Gazte coordinator Vasco Bilbao (yellow shirt) flew in from New York to help arrange things for this event.

Youth from several Basque communities came to event, including Salt Lake City, Boise & Elko.

Now this is eating a potato chip in style!  The menu was based on keep it simple: sandwiches and sodas were available for a $5 charge.
 

The picnic was held at the city park in Elko, Nevada, where the next day the park filled with festival-goers.  The backside of the fronton in the park has this mural.