Laois scouts put their skills to the test at Phoenix Challenge 2026

LAOIS scouts put their skills to the test across a four-day competition in Cavan.

Hundreds of scouts from across Ireland tested their teamwork, leadership and outdoor skills at Castle Saunderson, Co Cavan from 13 – 16 August, as part of Scouting Ireland's Phoenix Challenge 2026.

The 1st Laois Portlaoise scout group were among those who took part. The Phoenix Challenge is the largest annual scouting competition in Ireland, bringing together patrols from across the country to test their skills through a series of outdoor challenges and activities.

The competition combines practical scoutcraft skills, campcraft, outdoor cooking, sustainability initiatives and programme challenges, with patrols competing for the prestigious Phoenix Challenge Trophy.

This year's event was themed ‘Tom Crean and the Lost Journal’, inspired by the expeditions of Irish Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.

Scouting Ireland CEO Seán Sheehan said that the Phoenix Challenge “showcases scouting at its best”.

He continued: “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". 

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 Trek Cart Race before the overall winners are announced at the closing ceremony.