The Children’s world at Jukola is full of activity and joy. Some children zoom around on tiny mopeds while others sit at tables enjoying their snacks. The youngest babies sleep peacefully in their prams. At the back of the tent, a calm and private area is tucked behind a curtain. There, parents can change diapers and tend to their babies as needed.
One father is reading a book to his children while their mother is out exploring the orienteering course. He even describes the surrounding area, including a small orienteering track where children can test their skills. The course can also be completed on a hobbyhorse, and right now, children are selecting their horses to begin.
“The children have been on the course all afternoon,” says 13-year-old Moona Kantelinen, who is taking part in the Jukola relay for the first time.
Inside the tent, mothers who have just returned from the course stop by to rest. One of them recounts how she even had to crawl through a section of the forest.
Young volunteers are in charge of leading the children’s games and activities. Additional helpers support them when needed, acting as assistants or team leaders. Each volunteer shift lasts three hours.
“In the afternoon, most visitors to the tent have been dads and grandparents,” says 13-year-old Vilma Noponen, a volunteer in the children’s area. Vilma already participated last year together with her parents.
The young volunteers also dream about the future—as competitive orienteers themselves. Another first-timer, 11-year-old Viivi Noponen, is on duty along the course outdoors. She shares that it’s her first time sleeping outside in a tent. The tent is about half a kilometer away.
“I’ll only go to sleep once I feel tired,” she says.
The older volunteers plan to stay awake all night, taking only brief rests in their tents.
“After all, this is the highlight of the whole year!” one of them says with a smile.
These friends share a common goal: to participate in the Jukola relay themselves in the coming years. The Noponen siblings represent Anttolan Urheilijat, while Kantelinen runs for Hyvinkään Rasti.
After the interview, the young athletes dash off to watch the ongoing Venla relay. Viivi, meanwhile, returns to watch over the hobbyhorse course.
Text and photo: Sari Noponen
Translation: Pirjo Ålander