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Our rock climbing teams in St. Louis and St. Charles help young climbers develop their skills and widen their social networks by building meaningful connections. The climbing gym environments are highly supportive and encouraging, making them an ideal place to learn and grow. In this setting, young climbers can mature as athletes and community members.
Development Team
This team helps climbers build foundational skills through one-on-one coaching and group-based instruction. Climbers learn basic climbing and safety etiquette, develop creative problem-solving abilities, and prepare for our advanced teams. Practices introduce and refine climbing concepts and encourage critical thinking.
Tryouts are not required; new climbers are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Age 6 -11
$139 per Month
Two 1.5-Hour Practices per Week
Unlimited Climbing
20% Pro Shop Discount
15% Classes Discount
20% Private Coaching Discount
One Guest Pass per Month
Free Rental Gear
TRY A FREE PRACTICE
We encourage everyone interested in this team to sign up for an open practice.
Intermediate Team
This team provides additional structure and guidance for climbers of all levels. Practices contain a climbing and fitness component. In addition to learning how to top rope belay and boulder, climbers will build strength, improve athletic ability, and practice critical thinking skills. Competing is optional, yet encouraged, and lesson plans are built around the competition season.
Prospective climbers must try out or be selected from the Development Team.
Ages 6-12 or 13-18
$169 per Month
Two 2-Hour Practices per Week
Unlimited Climbing
20% Pro Shop Discount
15% Classes Discount
20% Private Coaching Discount
One Guest Pass per Month
Free Rental Gear for First Month
TRY A FREE PRACTICE
We encourage everyone interested in this team to sign up for an open practice.
Competition Team
Climbers on this team are held to a higher level of accountability than their peers. They must be responsible, dedicated, and self-motivated. In addition to further building strength and refining climbing skills, they will learn to lead belay and climb. Competing is highly encouraged, and practices are built around preparing for competitions.
Tryouts are required and held seasonally.
Ages 6-18 (Invitation-Only)
$220 per Month
Competing is Highly Encouraged
Two 2.5-Hour Practices per Week
One 2-Hour Practice per Week
One Optional Weekend Practice During Competition Prep
Two Half-Hour Strength and Conditioning Sessions During Practice
Unlimited Climbing
20% Pro Shop Discount
15% Classes Discount
20% Private Coaching Discount
One Guest Pass per Month
Free Rental Gear for First Month
REQUEST MORE INFO
Learn
Learning inspires growth. We empower climbers with a comprehensive approach to learning.
Grow
Everyone develops differently. We encourage growth by addressing each climber’s individual needs.
Connect
The gyms provide a positive environment and supportive community – both are vital for success.
Open Practice
Join us for a day of practice. It’s free! Meet the coaches, hang out with other climbers, and learn how practices are structured. Register online so that we can prepare for your visit!
Coaches
Our USA Climbing-certified climbing coaches have the knowledge and experience to help team members grow as athletes and community members. Coaches are CPR certified and travel with the team to climbing competitions.
Rob Kennedy
Program Director
Mara McKown
Comp Team Coach
Taylor Brown
Steel Shop Head Coach
Briana McKee
Teen Intermediate Head Coach
Thomas Goodwin
Youth Intermediate Head Coach
Faith Rashid
Development Team Head Coach
Does my climber need previous climbing experience?
No, but we recommend that Open Practice is not their first rock climbing experience. Take them to one of the climbing gyms with a day pass, or try our Intro to Climbing Youth Class first! You can find us at the Power Plant in St. Louis and Steel Shop in St. Charles.
How often does the climbing team practice?
The Development Team has two 1.5-hour practices per week, the Intermediate Team has two 2-hour practices per week, and the Competition Team has two 2.5-hour practices and one 2-hour practice per week.
What does a climbing team practice look like?
The Development Team usually has one top rope practice and one boulder practice per week. The Intermediate and Competition Team practices are generally a combination of climbing and conditioning.
When is climbing season?
Climbers join the team on a month-by-month basis. Generally, they prepare for the bouldering season from September to February and the rope season from March to July.
Does Team CSI travel to climbing competitions?
Our Competition Team is the only one that travels. Climbers on this team attend two yearly competitions - one local and one in another city. The rest of the climbing teams do not travel.
Power Plant
Our flagship climbing gym, the Power Plant, is located in Downtown St. Louis, one block East of Lafayette Square. The gym is part of the historic City Hospital complex. Look for the towering smokestack.
Steel Shop + Gravity Lab
Our newest climbing gym, the Steel Shop, is located in the Frenchtown neighborhood of St. Charles. Housed inside the Steel Shop, Gravity Lab offers unique challenges for younger and newer climbers.