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Kursa celebrates
50 in 2024!
What are your memories?
We hope to see you this summer at Kursa 50! Even if you're unable to attend Kursa 50, you can still contribute to the event by sharing your memories of your time at Kursa! Everyone is invited to share their memories - both those planning to attend the celebration and those with other plans this time.
In the link to the Google form below, we would like to hear about your favorite folk dances, songs, poems; including favorite (and funniest) memories!
"Come, be a kursietis!"
We invite you to the Kursa 50 celebration this summer! To mark this important milestone, we will host a special "Guest Days" weekend during camp, from July 26-28. Kursa graduates, staff, families, supporters, and friends are all welcome!
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Event Program:
Friday, July 26th:
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3:00-5:30 PM – Registration
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5:45 PM – Flag & Announcements
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6:00 PM – Dinner
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7:15 PM – Poetry Evening, sharing our favorite lines of Latvian poetry and prose
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9:00 PM – Refreshments & Bonfire
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10:00 PM - late: After-hours social time in the Latvian village (Lapu Street)
Saturday, July 27th:
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8:00-10:00 AM– Breakfast – continental style
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9:00 AM – Flag + Morning exercise & walk around the lake
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9:30 AM – Tours led by Kursa students
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10:30-12:30 PM – "Lightning Lectures" and workshops led by Kursa teachers – participate in a variety of courses
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1:00 PM – Lunch
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2:00 PM – Art activities, chess, novuss, and yard games
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4:00 PM – Kursa 50 Celebration performance, integrating favorite songs, dances, and memories of Kursa over the years
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6:00 PM – Flag & Announcements
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6:15 PM – Dinner
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8:00 PM – Dance with live music by Kursa 2024 staff and students; Starting off with traditional danči, then continuing into the night with a playlist of Kursa pop classics.
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10:00 PM - late: After-hours social time in the Latvian village (Lapu Street)
Sunday, July 28th:
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8:00-10:00 AM– Breakfast – continental style
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9:00 AM – Flag & Announcements
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10:00 AM – Reflection service with music in the chapel
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12:00-1:30 – Lunch
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13:00 – Sports & Social Activities – volleyball, swimming, novuss, and more!
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13:00 – Latvian Language Exams (sign up by July 10)
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Where can we stay overnight?You've got options! Latvian Village camping: It is possible to camp across the lake from the camp at certain residents' properties. You will need to bring your own equipment and bedding. If you select this option, we will put you in contact with the hosts! Subsided Hotel Room: Please inquire - thanks to a generous grant from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs we have a limited number of rooms at Little Creek Casino available for a subsidized (around 50% off!) rate. If you’re traveling from out-of-state and are interested in this option, please select your desired room orientation in our online shop and we will contact you via email to confirm. Or, of course, you are welcome to make your own arrangements with local friends or hotels. Whatever you choose, please fill out the RSVP survey so that we are aware of your plans!
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I am camping in the Latvian village. What amenities are available? Where can I shower?There will be toilets, fresh water, and places to charge electronics available to campers, as well as nightly refreshments and entertainment from the hosts. Even non-campers are welcome to spend time on this side of the lake after-hours in order to let our students and staff get some rest. Showers will be allowed in the camp pool house Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am – 12:00 pm. Campers will receive an email from the hosts prior to the event with more details.
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Why can’t guests stay on the camp property?We have a large program this year at Kursa, and our dorms are full! For the safety of our students and staff, we are offering camping on the other side of the lake for those who want to stay nearby and enjoy each others’ company late into the nights. Otherwise, you may stay at nearby hotels or find your own accommodations.
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Will there be a shuttle between the hotel and camp?At this time, there is not an official shuttle that will run to and from the hotel at specific times. However, please let us know if you are in need of a ride; arrangements can be made.
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How can I pay?We encourage you to buy tickets online in our shop, for the best rates and easiest registration! Prices will increase for on-site registrations. On site we are able to accept cash, credit card, or checks (addressed to “West Coast Latvian Education Center”)
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I can’t make it for all three days. Do I have to buy the full weekend pass?You are welcome to pick and choose which days you attend. You may buy a full weekend pass (best deal!) or individual days. The main event of the weekend is the performance program on Saturday afternoon, we encourage all to join us especially that day for the best experience.
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Are kids allowed?Kids are allowed and welcome - we hope to see them at Kursa someday! Ages 0-5 are free of charge, then any other youth under 21 have half-priced tickets.
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I am flying into SeaTac airport. How can I get to Kursa?You have options! Many choose to rent a car or drive with local friends. If you need help finding a ride, please write to Diana and she can help.
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What is the alcohol policy?Alcohol may only be consumed in designated areas on the camp property at designated times on Friday and Saturday evenings. These areas will be clearly marked. For the safety of our Kursa students, we ask that you are respectful during program hours and wait until the balle to enjoy your drinks. Underage drinking will absolutely not be tolerated. Any adult who gives alcohol to underage persons will be immediately asked to leave the property. If you would like to socialize after designated hours, please join Latvian Village hosts for “Nīkšana” activities off site (Lapu street cul-de-sac)
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What is the smoking policy?Smoking is allowed only in the designated area. Please be sure to clean up after yourselves. Marijuana use is prohibited on camp property.
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I’d love to volunteer. How can I help?We have plenty of options throughout the weekend! Please indicate in the RSVP form what opportunities suit you best, and we will contact you with more information. Volunteers will receive an exclusive Thank You gift - we'd love your help!
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What should I pack?Imagine you’re back in summer camp - comfortable, outdoor-friendly clothes and good walking shoes are a must! For the Saturday performance, dinner, and balle, you are welcome and encouraged to dress up a little for the special occasion. If you are camping, please bring everything you need to sleep comfortably in your own tent. The swimming pool will also be open for use on Sunday afternoon, so don’t forget your swimsuit and sun lotion! Bonus: Do you have any photos or memorabilia from your days as a Kursa student? We’d love to display it! Bring along photos, shirts, yearbooks, Kripatiņas, or anything else you’d like to share. If you would rather submit digitally, please email images to Diāna!
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OMG the merchandise is so cool! How can I buy some Kursa swag, and how long will it be available?We will have a variety of apparel and souvenirs available for sale at the event. If we sell out of anything, we are happy to add you to the waitlist and can ship it to you afterwards. We will add more items to our merch shop in the coming weeks.
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I am unfortunately not able to attend the event, but I would still like to support Kursa in this celebratory milestone year. Can I donate?Yes! Please visit our "Donate" tab here to see our special Kursa 50 fundraiser. We appreciate your support!
Frequently asked questions:
Kursa 50 Fundraiser
Alongside this week’s festivities, we are launching a fundraiser in order to support many more years of Kursa and West Coast Latvian Education Center improvements and growth. Head over to our “Donate” page to see the pricing tier options, as well as the exclusive gifts that come along with each tier!
Thank you in advance for your support - we couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you to our event sponsors!
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