The Phoenix evolved from the Melvin competition of Scouting Ireland (CSI) and the Smythe Cup of Scouting Ireland S.A.I.. The name Phoenix was chosen for its symbolic meaning by the National Patrol Leaders' Forum in August 2004. The first official Phoenix Challenge was run in 2005 in Pallaskenry (County Limerick). Although, the National Patrol Challenge was held in Larch Hill in August 2004. In 2006 it was held in Tollymore Forest Park (County Down). Each Phoenix is themed and all of the activities relate to the theme, Pallaskenry 2005 had the theme Journey Through Science; Tollymore 2006 was The Medieval Experience; The Curragh 2007 was themed The Flight of the Phoenix; Larch Hill 2008 was themed 1908: In The Beginning; Mount Melleray 2009 was themed SURVIVOR: Fun, Friendship & Challenge; Larch Hill 2010 was themed The Big Bang; Pallaskenry 2011 was themed The Era of Adventurers; Larch Hill 2012 was themed The Olympics; Castlesaunderson 2013 was themed Peace;