CHULA — Near-perfect weather awaited a group of young baseball players at Tiftarea Academy Tuesday, as flies stayed away and a slight breeze came through.

The players are involved in the two-day Panther Summer Baseball Camp, working on the fundamentals of the game, which cover everything from stretching to fielding to hitting. The camp was open to those ages 6-12.

“What does prep mean?,” asked Tiftarea head coach Brad Porter of his charges during a fielding exercise.

“Prep means prepare yourself for anything.”

Porter and his Panther player assistants demonstrated proper form, including how to hold a glove to step into throws.

“The palm of your glove is your third eye,” he said.

During a water break, Porter said the camp was equal parts fun and information. Some of his descriptions of how approach to plays were comical, including his comparison on attacking a grounder with the Easter bunny.

Players grabbed bats after the break, which saw one of the youngest campers return from a brief stint on the disabled list in the dugout after being nicked by the ball while fielding. A gulp of water and a chat with Porter helped in minimizing the ouch.

Hitting stances were up next.

Porter brought up a quote by legendary hitter Tony Gwynn about confidence in hitting.

Half of hitting is confidence, said Porter, the other half is mechanics.

After working on getting feet placement and shoulders in order, the campers had a chance to demonstrate with and without bats in hand before going against a hitting stick.

The athletes will have chance to pull all their skills together today. Porter said they will get to play a few games against one another.

The Tiftarea camp marked the start of the summer sports camp season. Four different events are taking place this week: a softball camp at Tiftarea, Farmers for Football and a summer track group.