During 2008, Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Sully, South Wales, become the first hospice in Wales to have its own Scout Group.
It was officially launched at the 2008 Tŷ Hafan Fun Day, when BBC Wales TV personalities, husband and wife, Rhodri and Lucy Owen and baby son Gabriel performed the formalities, including the planting of an evergreen Japanese Maple tree.
The Owen family were presented with special Tŷ Hafan Group neckerchiefs – including a mini-version made for Gabriel.
Ruth Weltch, Group Scout Leader said: “We are all really pleased to be able to bring Scouting to these young people, and are delighted at how well we have been received.”
The Scout Group does not charge subscriptions and has therefore embarked on an on-going fund-raising programme.
The group is open to all children receiving care there, their parents and their siblings.
Members range in age from five to 19, and activities undertaken so far have included pioneering, toasting marshmallows and making catapults. Children receive certificates after taking part in each activity.
The idea for setting up the Group was inspired Group Scout Leader Ruth Weltch who said, "During the Centenary of Scouting in 2007, we decided we wanted to do something that would carry on and be lasting." Having the Group at Ty Hafan means we can bring Scouting to those who wouldn't usually experience it. There has been a very positive reaction to it so far. The children look forward to it each week."
Chris Foster of The Scout Association said, "We're really proud of the fact that Scouting is helping the community in this way. It is essential for young people to have fun, laughter and excitement, no matter how ill they are. It gives them a way of looking beyond their current situation."
The Ty Hafan Scout Group's flag is decorated with a handprint, the hospice's logo, and Scouts have their own badge and neckerchief in the Ty Hafan colours.
Scout Group Launch at the Ty Hafan funday
Aerial Teddyways
August 6th 2008 was designated Playday and this year's Playday theme, Give us a go! called for children to be allowed challenging and adventurous play opportunities and aimed to shake off the 'cotton wool' culture that can limit children’s play. With that firmly in mind we gave the Ty Hafan Scouts the opportunity to use knives, axes and saws and we are very grateful to Paul Willacombe, Richard Feehan and Ben Betera who brought along all the equipment and shared their skills, enabling the Scouts to take part in a more risky activity while keeping them safe.
© Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Scouts 2010 
During 2008, Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Sully, South Wales, become the first hospice in Wales to have its own Scout Group. 
