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Junior Hash House Harriers - a great morning activity away from the choas of the city!

When we lived in Malaysia we would regularly go the Junior Hash (JHHH) and we loved it! The children got filthy and sweaty. They ran wild in the jungle and we just followed along behind, helping them negotiate any tricky areas as needed. Generally, they just went with the pack and had a great time.

We knew that there was a Junior Hash in Jakarta, but it has taken us over 2 years to get to it (partly to do with having a small baby again). Our baby is now a robust 2 year old and needs wearing out as much as our 7 year old twins. It was that in mind, that in February, we ventured out to our first Indonesian Junior Hash.

The directions were sent via email and were extremely accurate; the regulation JHHH signs were obvious as we got closer to the meeting point. We ended up somewhere in the Sentul Hills and we did wonder if our Kijang would make it up the last part of the track! Thankfully it did and so we joined the 10 or so other families taking part.

We were all given clear instructions from the “Hare” before we set out. He explained how to follow the paper trail and we were told to watch out for dummy trails as well. This is part of the Hash tradition and provides more interest along the way. We set off and our 7 year-olds were gone for dust with their friends, following the older children. Our 2 year old walked for a while but it wasn’t easy terrain for very little legs, so we took turns with piggy backs. As a result we were trailing the main group from the beginning and we did have a few occasions where we had to work out if we had taken the dummy trail or not! The leading group could be heard with their calls of ‘On, On’ as they confirmed the correct trail.

We trekked through plantations, over a stream, up and down steep hills in the blazing sun. It felt great to be out of the city and in the beautiful countryside. The children didn’t notice the heat; they simply enjoyed being outside and enjoyed the challenge of finding the trail. They were in their element! The trail took them about an hour and they arrived back at the cars, hot, sweaty and starving!

After a snack and lots of cold drinks (the Hare had brought 2 ice boxes full of drinks for everyone, including beer for the dads - another Hash tradition no matter what the time of day!) the children were called to the ‘circle’. This part of the Hash tradition involves the Hare thanking those that have laid the trail and organised the event. He also tells the group of individual achievements during the morning’s trail and each person mentioned ‘downs’ the drink they are holding. As a result, there were 5-10 year olds ‘downing’ fizzy drinks instead of the traditional beer! Soon after the formalities were over, someone threw the first cup of icy water from the cool box. A full-scale water fight followed, with all the children aiming to get all the adults as wet as possible. It was good fun and a much needed cool-down, although our 2 year old took the sensible step of retreating to the car very quickly!

We attended the hash with 4 other families. All of us were first timers and we will all go again.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, we were made very welcome and the children came home tired and happy.

There is a small fee per child and adult to take part, which pays for the drinks that are provided after the event. You will need to take sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent (although mosquitoes were not a problem). Take a change of clothes and shoes (flip-flops) per child and for you. For the run/walk, wear trainers or shoes with good treads as the terrain can be very slippery. Our 2 year old wore long sleeves and trousers which helped to protect her from the scratches that the older children got as they were wearing shorts. We also brought a picnic lunch which was devoured and not just by our children!

JHHH Jakarta (also known as the 'Horrors' Hash!) is always looking for more families to attend their events. It is a great morning out, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. So, pack up the car and drag your friends along too. We are sure you will all enjoy it!

They meet on the last Sunday of the month at 10 a.m.
Contact Greg via email and he will ensure you receive information about the next adventure.

Contact: Greg Fletcher
Email: gtfletch@cbn.net.id
Hp: 0811 859049

February 2010

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