Tributes paid to Scouting stalwart

Friday 29 April 2022

Tributes have been paid to a stalwart of island Scouting who passed away aged 75 this month.

Ruth Dolbel, who passed away on 12 April, joined Jersey Scouts in April 1974 as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader at the 9th Jersey St. Lukes Scout Group and later became the Cub Section Leader in February 1976.

For hundreds of young people across the Island, Ruth was affectionally known as Akela, who, along with late husband John (‘Skip’), who was a Scout Leader, gave 100% to the movement in Jersey. 

They both shared an abundance of skills and enthusiasm to all the young people each week.

Under Ruth and John’s direction, and alongside many other Island Scouters, they fundraised, planned and built the 9th Jersey - St. Lukes Scout Group Scout Hall, which is still there and is still the home of the 9th Jersey.

Pictured: Ruth getting stuck in with an archery activity.

In January 1997, Ruth then took on the role of Group Scout Leader at the 9th Jersey and led the team of adult volunteers. She ensured they worked closely and had the opportunity to join with other Scouting Groups across the Island and be involved with St. Luke's Church, Jersey.

Later that year in July, Ruth then took on the Role of Assistant Island Commissioner for the Island Cub Section, at the same time as her Group Scout Leader role, and continued to spread her passion of Scouting with the organisation of Island Cub events. 

Not one to sit still, Ruth continued to share her knowledge with other leaders, as she joined the Island Team to be a Nights Away Training Adviser, guiding new leaders on how to run and organise camps and trips for our young people.

As an active member of the Jersey Scout Fellowship, Ruth was very much seen over the years at events, especially utilising her exceptional baking skills.

Pictured: Ruth surrounded by her Scout Group.

With over 40 years' experience in Scouting, Ruth was awarded with many Scouting awards: in April 2008, shewas awarded the Silver Wolf.  This award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout and is only awarded for service of a most exceptional nature.

A spokesperson for Jersey Scouts said: “Members of the Jersey Scouts extend our sincere condolences to Ruth’s family, who, alongside Ruth, have been members of the Scout Association in some way. We hope you have some comfort in  knowing she has been part of so many young people's lives since 1974, and has given so much to the Scouting Community. 

“Thank you, Ruth, for all you have given to The Scouts, and the many friendships you have formed over the years.”

Paul Tucker of Scout Active Support added: "It is with great sadness that Jersey Scouting has lost one of its best known and well-loved members. Many of those who are volunteers in Scouting today will have happy memories of Ruth.

"Her love for Scouting and all the many hundreds of young people who she led and helped over so many years was tremendous.

"Ruth, along with her husband John, founded the 9^th St Luke’s Scout Group in 1974, and as a Cub Scout Leader and Group Scout Leader, Ruth built the 9^th into a very successful Scout Group with a real family atmosphere.

"Meeting originally in the timber Scout Hut in the carpark of St Luke’s Church, Ruth went on to encourage parental support and raise funds to oversee the building of the new Scout/Youth Centre which opened in 1988.

"Along with her very supportive family, Ruth gave so much time, energy and enthusiasm to her beloved 9th Scout Group and the young people and volunteer leaders, always coming up with ideas and organising tea parties, baking cakes and helping to raise funds to support the scout camping and other activities for the young people.

Pictured: Ruth dedicated over 40 years to Island Scouting.

"Ruth also shared her time to support Island Scout events and served as Island Cub Leader, attending regional and national Scout training and conference events. After retiring as Group Scout Leader at the 9th Scout Group she remained a hard working and enthusiastic member of Jersey Scout Fellowship and Scout Active Support.

"Of course, Ruth loved her family, all of whom were also involved as Leaders and helpers in Scouting, but she had many other interests, including her strong commitment and involvement with St Luke’s Church.

"Ruth was always a larger-than-life character with a love for people and especially children. Always with a smile and a determination to get things right during her forty-five years in Scouting.

"Jersey Scouting and all her many friends will miss Ruth and their thoughts are with her family at this sad time. We have lost a good friend and a true Scout."

Relatives and friends wishing to attend the funeral service for Ruth are invited to meet at St Luke's Church on Tuesday 10 May at 13:15.

Pictured top: Scouting stalwarts John and Ruth Dolbel.