World Scouting

the development of academic knowledge. There is also growing awareness of the importance of developing civic identity, character, individual agency, and responsibility. This book is a fascinating account of how the World Scout Movement has addressed these issues over the last century. In an engaging historical and sociological analysis, Vallory examines how this global movement of nonformal education wrestled with the tensions between shaping civic identity in ways that carefully negotiated the commitment and loyalty to local, national, and global communities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how social movements and voluntary organizations can successfully contribute to preparing our youth to develop some of the competencies that will most matter to their ability to take charge of their future." - Fernando Reimers, Ford Foundation Professor of International Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education



"The research which Eduard Vallory has produced is not just exceptional, it is unique, because it is the first ever written academic study on World Scouting, both in its origin, evolution, and globality. This book thus fills a great void. It should become a landmark in the 'history of education' as it demonstrates how the world's largest and oldest youth movement has contributed and still contributes to structuring the personality of yesterday's and today's youth towards a most needed local and global citizenship." - Dr. Jacques Moreillon, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (1988-2004), former Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross

"This book shows that the diversity of the Scout movement makes it one of the biggest multicultural and multidenominational world networks for education and joint action with young people. In addition, Vallory also unveils how Scouting values of peace, tolerance, and solidarity shape responsible individuals into global citizens with critical thinking skills and a commitment to human rights individuals who are willing to make a change anywhere they find injustice. Today, when the transition from a culture of imposition, violence, and war to a culture of dialogue, conciliation, and peace is more urgent than ever, the everyday behaviour guided by these values can become crucial for the emancipation of a humanity 'relieved from fear and misery', as enshrined in the Preamble of the Universal Declaration." - Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Director-General of the UNESCO (1987-1999); Chairman of the Foundation for a Culture of Peace

"This concise and informative volume proves that scouting can be a serious academic subject, revealing much about changing societal values in an increasingly globalized world. While an informative and useful read for scholars of youth or educational movements, Vallory's well-researched work will also be appreciated by anyone who has experienced firsthand the "magic" of scouting." - The Journalof the History of Childhood and Youth