You don't have to look far these days to find positive news about the real estate market. Builders are building and houses are selling, not just here, but in much of the nation. Here in North Idaho, Realtors are staying very busy.

We members of the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors love where we are living and feel fortunate that our market has a renewed vitality in this, no longer new, year. We often host events to benefit the communities we serve but our board member Pat Eberlin has hit this one out of the park.

You see, Pat is a longtime baseball fan, player and coach. On our board of directors, he represents our members, especially those from the commercial real estate arena where he specializes. Pat has a passion for baseball. Without much effort he convinced the board that everyone deserves the right to play baseball. Many kids go to camps for various sports and these camps can be expensive, so not everyone has the ability to get the right foundation for the sport.

Noting that some of our nation's best athletes have come from humble beginnings, we were convinced that his idea was a good one; to offer a free camp to the less advantaged kids in our communities and to let them get some professional coaching to develop whatever abilities they have. Working with Jennifer Riley, our community outreach chair and a group of Realtor and non-Realtor volunteers, we are pleased to offer our inaugural baseball/softball training day.

The camp is slated for Saturday, June 5 and will be held at the Coeur d'Alene High School baseball field off Fourth Street in Coeur d'Alene. As mentioned, this camp is for kids whose families do not have the resources to send them to traditional sports camps and is limited to 75 participants.

Volunteer coaches from area schools and those with past baseball or softball careers of their own have generously donated their time to dedicate to this community event. The Sports Cellar stepped up to provide free T-shirts to all 75 participants too. This is a completely volunteer, completely free event, intended to provide understanding and direction in the fundamentals of baseball and softball. Coaches will direct and advise on pitching, hitting, throwing and fielding in hopes of giving aspiring athletes the fundamentals they need to become successful competitors.

Children from age 6 to 12 are encouraged to participate but they need to hurry. We first announced this camp on Wednesday and by Friday we already had 28 people enrolled. Interested hall of fame hopefuls can apply by calling the office of the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors; (208) 667-0664. A parent of guardian must complete and sign a short application but aside from that, it is free. Lunch will be provided, courtesy of the association but participants are encouraged to bring mitts and bats or whatever equipment they have to the event. Realtors, coaches and volunteers are bringing their own equipment to share for those who may not have any.

Even when the market is brisk, we still find time to remind ourselves what a terrific place this is to live and invest our time and money to ensure it stays that way. I guess you could say, we know how to play ball.

Trust an expert ... call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.

Kim Cooper is a real estate Broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of REALTORS. Kim and the Association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of REALTORS, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling 208-667-0664