Scouting Ireland’s Phoenix Challenge marks 20 years in Limerick

THE SALESIAN College in Pallaskenry, is set to host one of Ireland’s largest youth events - Scouting Ireland’s Phoenix Challenge.

From August 14 till August 17, over 600 scouts from all over Ireland will arrive in Limerick for the four-day event. 

This year will see the biggest annual competition for scouts to showcase the many skills they have learned during their time scouting.

Sean Sheehan, CEO, Scouting Ireland said,  “This year’s event is all the more special as the Phoenix Challenge celebrates 20 years.  The very first Phoenix Challenge was held in Pallaskenry in 2005 and it is fitting that we should return to Limerick in its 20th year”.

READ MORE: Limerick man cycling Ireland’s coast to fight Motor Neurone Disease

On both Friday and Saturday the groups participate in an action-packed programme of team and skill challenges including building large pioneering structures, rafting, emergency situations, mapping projects, backwood skills and general team building challenges.  

These challenges are designed to test the skills of scouts for real-life situations and challenges.

The scouts, all aged between 12 and 15 years old will compete in teams for awards including Scout Engineering Award, Environmental Award, Entrepreneurship Award, Logbook Trophy, Cooking and Eating Trophy, Campcraft Trophy, Skills Bases Trophy, and Leadership Award.  

The scout group with the highest points awarded over the weekend will walk away with the prestigious Phoenix Challenge Trophy.

The planning for this year’s challenge began 12 months ago and will include a big birthday bash on the Saturday evening celebrating ‘20 in 25’ with music and festivities while Sunday morning will see the much-anticipated Trek Cart Race.