In the mid-1960s, Camp Fitch was formally recognized as a YMCA branch and began a period of major expansion in facilities and programming over the course of several decades. Under the direction of William Lyder, Fitch was able to grow from a seasonal operation to a permanent, year-round establishment running approximately 340 days a year. Existing buildings on campus were winterized and modified to accommodate year-round programming. The upgrades to these buildings along with the construction of two outdoor education lodges allowed for the creation of an Outdoor Education program in 1973 that serves schools and youth groups when summer camp is not in session. During the Outdoor education season, the Fitch's outdoor education staff work with visiting school faculty to facilitate a curriculum covering the historical, geographical and biological interests of the area. With the addition of the year-round programming, about 19,000 campers attend the camp a year.