The Phoenix Challenge

The Phoenix Challenge is a national Scout craft competition that takes place at the end of August each year. It is the largest annual gathering of Scouts in Ireland with up to sixty Patrols of eight Scouts from all around the country participating. Patrols represent both their Scout Troop and Scout County, and will have to have qualified for the event by finishing first or second in their Scout County Challenge. The Phoenix is a four day event and while the programme changes from year to year, it will always encompass the major aspects of the Scout programme.

The major sections of the event include the campcraft competition, team and skill challenges, special projects and cooking competition. The event starts on Thursday and Patrols spend much of the day constructing campsites. On both Friday and Saturday the Patrols participate in an action packed programme of team and skill challenges such as building large pioneering structures, rafting, initiative challenges, emergency situations, mapping projects and many more. During the evenings a mixture of fun activities (such as campfires and themed trade fairs) and special projects (such as debating or environmental projects) take place.

The all important test meal also takes place on one of these evenings. On Sunday morning there is usually another fun based activity after which the Patrols break camp. In the afternoon the closing ceremony and prise giving takes place. Each Patrol receives a Gold, Silver or Bronze standard certificate and prises are awarded for the individual sections winners as well as overall competition winners.

The Phoenix is a truly great test of team work. But more than that, the four action packed days are an experience that a Scout will never forget.