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.
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The primary prerequisite is prior coaching at Basecamp (via clubs, camps, lessons, or past team enrollment). 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 REGIONALS IN 2025
Ben*
Charlie*
Ian
Jupiter
Rowan
Wyatt
Alisha*
Carter*+
Harper
Isak
Levi
Sean
*Athletes who qualified for USAC DIVISIONALS IN 2025
+Athlete who qualified for USAC NATIONALS IN 2025
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2025-26 SEASON DATES
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Jun 18: Prospective Athlete/Parent Q&A​
Wednesday, June 18, 6-7PM @ Basecamp
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Jul 16: Athlete/Parent Pre-Season Meeting
Wednesday, July 17, 6-7PM @ Basecamp
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Aug 1-8: Assessments (for New Athletes)
Register (in late July) for 1 Hour Time-Slots
Aug 4 & 7: Returning Athlete Sessions
Monday, Aug 4, 5:30-7PM
Thursday Aug 7, 5:30-7PM
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Aug 12: Training Camp Orientation Day
All athletes: Noon–5:00PM
Parent/Athlete Cookout & Potluck Afterward
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Aug 13-17: Dakotas Training Camp (Entirely @ Basecamp This Year)
Registration included with team dues.
Aug 13-14: Movement Clinics (Noon-5pm)
Aug 15: Rest Day
Aug 16: Comp Simulation (8am-5pm)
Aug 17: Comp Boulder Practice (Noon-5pm)
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*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. More info/times for Training Camp can be FOUND HERE.
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Aug 25: Regular Practices Start
Mondays & Thursdays (Mandatory)
U13 Practice: 4:00-5:15 PM
U15-20 Practice: 5:30-7:00 PM
U19+ Extension: 7:00-8:00 PM*
Tuesdays (Optional)
USAC Athletes Practice: 4:00-5:15 PM*
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*These OPTIONAL practices are only for USAC Athletes
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Oct – Dec: USAC Qualifiers
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Nov: Basecamp's Fall League
(Replaces Monday practices)
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Dec: 1-on-1 Lessons
(Replaces Monday practices)
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Mid Jan (Date TBD): USAC Regionals
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Mid Feb (Date TBD): USAC Divisionals
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Late Feb (Date TBD): The BaseCOMP​
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.
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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 around the Midwest (as far as Chicago)
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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)
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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)​
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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–Oct), 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).​
