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CHINON EUSKARAZ: Basque Language Camp II
This summer saw two successful Basque language camps for kids. The first was hosted up in Boise back in June, then the second in August was held in Chino. Both were efforts to promote Euskara (the Basque language) among our youngsters, and a salute goes out to the organizers.
The Chino Basque Club hosted its first summer children's basque class sessions. The program was organized by both Begona & Candida Echeverria and taught by Amaia Laduche from Azkain, Lapurdi. The classes lasted 3 weeks, Monday-Friday everyday at the Euskal Etxea or Basque clubhouse in Chino. There were 3 classes a day that lasted 2 hours each, and the age groups for the classes were 4-6 year olds, 7-10 year olds, and 11 & up. There was a total of 20 children sign up, not bad for the first year.
The instructor Amaia Laduche, from Azkain, Lapurdi, teaches Euskara in a local school there going on 16 years. She speaks very little English, so the children were forced into communicating the best they could in Basque. She used music, books, games & images to help the children learn vocabulary, colors, the days of the week, months, etc. She said that this was a new experience for her coming so far away to teach Basque, and also stated that the children came a long way since the first day of class.
The work of the program was balanced with fun for the kids; outings included an excursion to the San Diego Wildlife Animal Park, Skirball in Beverly Hills for an exhibit, a pool party and such. At all excursions the children were encouraged to speak as much Basque as possible. The Wildlife Animal Park was especially fun, as the kids learned how to say many animals in Basque.
