The Eden Prairie Baseball Association (EPBA) is making baseball more accessible to all Eden Prairie families by offering its Rookie Camp for free this year.

The camp, designed to introduce baseball fundamentals to children ages 4 and 5, will be held each Saturday in June at Prairie View Elementary School. Participants will practice essential skills such as throwing, catching and hitting in a relaxed setting while also learning introductory rules like running the bases.

“We are thrilled to invite families to join us for free this year! We hope families, who may not have considered organized youth sports at the Pre-K level previously, (will) give it a try with minimal risk and commitment,” said EPBA president Kevin Thompson. “Our Rookie Camp provides a supportive environment for kids and their families to learn not only about baseball but get a sense of the EPBA and our values as well.”

EPBA offers community teams for players from kindergarten through 12th grade, with schedules designed to accommodate other summer activities. Starting in third grade, travel programs offer opportunities to compete beyond Eden Prairie at metro, state and national levels.

The EPBA community and travel seasons run from April through late June or early July, with costs depending on age and program. Participants at all levels are invited to the league’s annual Opening Day event on April 26 at Miller Park, featuring games, competitions, food and drinks, and visits from local leaders.

More information about EPBA programs and registration is available at EPbaseball.com.