Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre in Co. Cavan welcomed hundreds of young people from across the island of Ireland for Scouting Ireland’s Phoenix Challenge 2026, which took place recently.
Among those taking part were Scouts from three Clare Scout Groups: the 7th Clare, Ballyvaughan, the 12th Clare Tulla, and the 14th Clare Sixmilebridge groups. The 24 young people from these groups put their skills, teamwork and leadership to the test over the four-day competition.
Recognised as the highlight of the scouting year, the Phoenix Challenge is the largest annual scouting competition in Ireland, bringing together patrols from across the country to test their skills, leadership, teamwork and resilience through a series of outdoor challenges and activities.
This year’s event is themed “Tom Crean and the Lost Journal”, inspired by the remarkable life and expeditions of Irish Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Throughout the weekend, scouts followed in Crean’s footsteps, undertaking challenges designed to develop teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and leadership while uncovering clues from a fictional lost expedition journal.
The competition combines practical scoutcraft skills, campcraft, outdoor cooking, sustainability initiatives and programme challenges, with patrols competing for the prestigious Phoenix Challenge Trophy alongside a range of awards recognising excellence in leadership, campcraft, environmental practices, entrepreneurship and teamwork.
“The Phoenix Challenge showcases scouting at its best; young people from across Ireland come together to challenge themselves, work as a team and demonstrate the practical and leadership skills they have learned throughout the year,” said Scouting Ireland CEO, Seán Sheehan.
“This year’s Tom Crean-inspired theme encourages participants to embrace adventure, resilience and exploration, values that continue to inspire young people today. We are looking forward to welcoming scouts from across the country to Castle Saunderson for what promises to be another fantastic Phoenix Challenge.”
Over the four-day event, patrols constructed and managed their own campsites, participated in themed programmes and activities inspired by Crean’s expeditions, showcased their creativity during the Antarctic Trade Fair and took part in the traditional Phoenix Campfire. The weekend concluded with the much-anticipated Trek Cart Race before the overall winners are announced at the closing ceremony.
In addition to testing practical outdoor skills, the Phoenix Challenge focuses on developing vital life skills including leadership, communication, planning, resilience and teamwork, while encouraging young people to build confidence and friendships in a supportive environment.