First, thank you to our 2025-2026 Team Sponsors!
For youth climbers seeking regular practice, coaching, and a gym membership, our competitive youth team grows skills, strength, and character. Our experienced coaches and personal trainer work with these devoted athletes individually and as a team to maximize their potential and prepare them for USA Climbing and/or Local Gym Competition.
There are no try-outs, and we primarily separate practices based on age (not skill level). We welcome all young athletes who love climbing, can be challenged by coaches, and are willing to put in the work!
WHAT IS TEAM BLACK HILLS?
Athletes who qualified for USAC Championships in 2026
*Athletes who qualified for USAC DIVISIONALS IN 2026
Dallyn
Harper
Jupiter*
Lennox
Rowan*
Wyatt*
Registration Open through July
Contact Coach Andrew with questions 605-415-2008
2026-27 SEASON DATES
Jun 24: Prospective Athlete/Parent Q&A
Wednesday, June 24, 6-7PM @ Basecamp
Aug 19-23: Dakotas Training Camp (Entirely @ Basecamp This Year)
Registration included with team dues.
Aug 19-20: Movement Clinics (Noon-5pm)
Aug 21: Rest Day
Aug 22: Comp Simulation (8am-5pm)
Aug 23: Comp Boulder Practice (9am-Noon)
*Athletes will NOT be scheduled for the full day of each camp. There will be different call times per age group within the time frame listed above.
Sept 14: Mandatory Practices Start
Mondays & Thursdays
Practice option 1: 4-6 PM
Practice option 2: 6-8 PM
*Athletes of all ages will be welcome at either practice so siblings can practice together and multi sport athletes can make their other practices.
Wednesdays
USAC Athletes Practice: 4:00-5:00 PM*
*These OPTIONAL practices are only for USAC Athletes
Oct – Feb: USAC Qualifiers Begin
Nov: Basecamp's Fall League
(Replaces Thursday practices)
Dec: 1-on-1 Lessons
(Replaces practices the last 3 weeks of December)
Late Feb (Date TBD): The BaseCOMP
March Onward
USAC Championship Qualified Athletes will continue practicing Mondays and Thursdays leading up to Regionals, Divisionals, and/or Nationals (for however far they qualify).
March date TBD: USAC Regionals
April or May date TBD : USAC Divisionals
3 Tracks to Join Team Black Hills
Our team athletes (and their families) can choose which competition track they enter, and therefore the intensity level at which they compete.
USA Climbing (USAC) Track
Those who would like to travel regionally and compete in USAC competitions will work with our head coach to arrange season logistics (NOTE: this comes with additional travel expenses and comp fees not included in the cost of team.):
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Compete at USA Climbing sanctioned events in other cities
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Comp difficulty decided by USAC
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Compete in at least 2 qualifier competitions (in order to potentially qualify for higher level championships)
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Qualified athletes can advance to regionals, divisionals, and even nationals
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Pay USAC registration fee (~$100) + competition entry fees (~$50/qualifier and ~$150/championship)
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Also compete locally in Basecamp's Fall League and in the BaseCOMP in February (included in the cost of team)
Locals Track
Some athletes choose not to undergo the pressure of the USA Climbing series and avoid the travel requirements and costs that come with it. These athletes still enjoy 2 weekly practices with Team Black Hills and local competitions hosted by Basecamp:
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Compete locally in Basecamp's Fall League and in the annual BaseCOMP in February (included in the cost of team)
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Choose the difficulty level at which you'll compete
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(OPTIONAL) Compete in & pay for additional citizens comps at the gyms of your choosing (i.e. Sioux Falls, Denver, Lincoln, Fargo) (Usually ~$40-$60)
Juniors Track (New This Year!)
Kids, 6-10 years old who would like to try a more regular practice schedule for a 3-month season (Sept–Nov), may sign up this year! This group of athletes will join our U13 practices on Mondays and Thursdays and wrap up their season by competing in our Fall League (replacing Monday practices in November and included in the cost of team).
