About us
The past and present of Tavastin Liljat
The history of Tavastin Liljat ry dates back to 1978, when Pastor Seppo Isotalo, who was in charge of youth work in the Kaarina parish, became interested in starting scouting activities in Varissuo. His initial idea was that Scout groups in neighbouring areas might be willing to expand their activities to Varissuo. When this idea did not gain traction, Isotalo began exploring whether local Scouting enthusiasts would be interested in founding an entirely new group in the area. As a result, Tavastin Liljat was established, and scouting in Varissuo began already in the autumn of the same year. In addition to Isotalo, founders included Seppo Laaksonen, Ulla Aaltonen, and Simo Suominen. We are now approaching our 50th anniversary!
The name Tavastin Liljat is rooted in local history and the parish. The Varissuo area was known as Tavast between the 14th and 16th centuries. One of the most notable figures of that time was Bishop Maunu II Tavast, whose family coat of arms includes the hand that stretches its muscles in our neckerchief badge and flag. Local history can still be seen in Varissuo today – for example, many street names are derived from medieval nobility, including our current address on Kousankatu. The latter part of our name, Liljat (“Lilies”), is connected to scouting. The heraldic lily, Fleur de lys, is an internationally recognised symbol of the Scout movement. We have also published a magazine called Liljankukka (“Lily Flower”).
At the end of 2025, Tavastin Liljat had a total of 51 members. As of 2026, we have one Cub scout group, one Adventurer team, one Explorer team, and one Rover group. Around fifteen active volunteer leaders make our activities possible. Despite our relatively small size, scouting in TaLi is lively and diverse. In addition to weekly meetings, we organise 2–3 trips or camps each year, a hike, a season opening event, and a traditional Christmas porridge celebration in December. Other key forms of activity include the annual Advent calendar campaign, the Scout parade, a recently revived tradition of Scout skills competitions, participation in regional and national camps, and various shared activities such as canoeing trips, climbing, and laser tag. We also aim to engage in local cooperation – for example, in 2025 we organised guided nature and mushroom excursions together with the local association Varissuo-Seura.
Our background organisation is the Katariina Parish, and our meeting place or kolo (“den”) is located in the downstairs of Varissuo Church. You can follow our activities on Instagram (@tavastinliljat). We are always happy to welcome new members!
All Finnish Scout groups are members of The Guides and Scouts of Finland. In addition, Scout groups are geographically organised into ten regional districts. Tavastin Liljat belongs to the Southwest Finland Scout District (L-SP/Lounais-Suomen Partiopiiri). Within the district, we form part of Kaarinan Kymmenykset, a network of eleven Scout groups from Eastern Turku, Kaarina, and Parainen. We cooperate regularly. For example, Kymmenykset organises the annual Korpitaival Scout skills competition. Tavastin Liljat last hosted the event in 2024 in Varissuo, with the well-received kråKKärret competition.
As of the beginning of 2026, our Local Group Leader is Mette Hämeenaho, our Volunteer Leader (pestijohtaja) is Eeva Sirén, and our Programme Leader (ohjelmajohtaja) is Vilma Helkearo.
Board 2025–2026
Minna Toivonen (Chairperson)
Mette Hämeenaho (Local Group Leader)
Aleksi Heinonen (Treasurer)
Ilona Lindroos (Secretary)
Mika Lindholm (Member)
Oskari Virtanen (Member)
Lotta Förbom (Member)
