Lyder's Ramblings
As Leaves change color and begin to fall, we are reminded that 1999 will soon be over. Many of us at camp don't want to see '99 end; not because it's the end of the millennium, but rather it ends such a history-making year that we begin to wonder, how can we possibly top this one? Camp Fitch continues to be blessed with outstanding people. Our committed staff, dedicated board members, enthusiastic campers, supportive alumni and caring donors make Camp Fitch a very special role in our history.

I would like to close with a special thanks to the Mirto family for the wonderful surprise and honor that they gave at the barn dedication.

Now, as I look back at everyone and all the blessings of 1999 - bring on the Millennium !! God loves Camp Fitch and will continue to use it to bless others! Camp Fitch forever!

Bill

Summer 1999 All Time Summer Record Shattered!
A typical response by a camper this summer when asked how they found out about camp was simply a finger point and "she (he) told me." Not only did this summer break the old record by 262 campers (over 2500 total), an extremely high percentage returned from last summer and brought friends. The highly talented and dedicated staffs of the past several summers have helped Camp Fitch touch more lives than ever before.

Added to this summer's great enrollment was the excitement of the new climbing wall. The wall boasts a two 40 foot, one 26 foot climbing façade and one 40 foot rappelling wall. The materials for the wall were donated Dave Deibel and were erected by C.R. "Sonny" Smith of Diamond Steel. This great new program area will be formally dedicated next summer. Already the wall has been enjoyed by many summer campers who thrive on the new challenge.

With traditions like Candlelight, campfires, devotions, archery, sailing, canoeing, and horseback riding still accounting for the core of the summer camp program, it is no wonder that summer numbers continue to climb. However, as always, it is the dedicated staff that truly makes each summer special for our campers. With many of our great staff returning for next summer, Y2K can only mean one thing for Camp Fitch … another record.

Boy's Barn is dedicated as "Bill's Barn"
On August 15, 1999, Dan Mirto pleasantly surprised 400 guests attending the dedication of the new Boy's Barn by unveiling the building's new sign: "Bill's Barn". The Mirto family had discussed the new name for the renovated facility and decided to name it after the man who has dedicated over 35 years of his life to the YMCA mission through Camp Fitch, Bill Lyder. The guests responded with a standing ovation.

With the generous financial support of Dan & Nancy Mirto and their family, the Boy's Barn has been rebuilt. Thanks to the excellent work of camp's architects, the rustic lake stone walls of the lower half of the barn stand unchanged to preserve its long standing tradition. Above the lower half's stone walls, a 40 foot by 72 foot activity area along with apartment living quarters has been constructed for year-round program usage. The exterior is a barn red and included a large porch, which overlooks the lake. The old ramp to the upstairs has also been improved to provide a natural access to the upper floor.

The dedication ceremony began with J.D. Mirto introducing YMCA and Camp Fitch Board Members in attendance (many of them attending family camp). After the introductions, the Mirto's pastor, Dr. Kline, led a prayer of thanks to God for generous gifts. The CEO of the Youngstown YMCA, Ken Rudge, and the YMCA's acting president, Ken Wilson, both thanked the Mirto's for their generous gifts, both past and present, that have helped the YMCA fulfill it's mission to change the lives of youth. Dan Mirto was then introduced.

Dan Mirto began his speech by noting four important influences in life: his family, church, YMCA and community. He stressed that his success in life was due to the support of all four, and that he received more from them than he has given back. Dan Mirto then unveiled the sign. After the sign for "Bill's Barn" was displayed, Bill Lyder remarked after several minutes of tears, "I was shocked. The barn could have been named after any one of us." Bill continued, "God has blessed this place, It's God's barn". Bill ended the ceremony by expressing his gratitude to the Mirto family and his staff.

Fitch Day
On July 10, 1999, Camp Fitch celebrated its FOURTH annual Fitch Day. This year, alumni Newell came as far as Alaska. One Alumnus, Randy Leyshon attended camp 50 years ago and had not visited in over 39 years. But even though the turnout for this year's Fitch Day was overwhelming, many alumni shared the numerous names of people they did not get to see. Believe it or not, there are still alumni who have not even heard about the annual event. Next summer, on July 8, 2000, invite someone to Fitch Day who did not come this year; more importantly, do not forget to bring yourself! Memories of Camp Fitch are always best shared with those alumni who are not receiving After Candlelight.

Where Are They Now? - - Clark Sprinkle
In Summerville, South Carolina, just outside of Charleston, Clark Sprinkle and his wife Beth now make their home. Clark works for Boeing as a flight simulator instructor for the Air Force's C-17s. He is also a proud father of two sons, Matt and Steve, and a retired Air Force veteran for 21 years.

Clark was at Camp Fitch from 1957 to 1966. He began as a camper and then progressed into a dishcrew member, counselor/archery instructor, and eventually a steward under Big and Little Mary. As a camper, he remembers the great stories around the campfires and the excellent devotions. In fact, he recently discovered a vintage devotional book in his house from his years on staff.

Clark also remembers coming up to camp 2 to 3 weeks early to set-up camp for the summer. This included trucks to transport equipment up from Youngstown, while also visiting local farms in search of hay bales for the archery targets. The hard work was worth it though, as he remembers the joys of overnight camping down the lake on a canoe trip. Camp was great because you were able to get away and "do exciting things." This included stopping at the White Turkey (it's still open) for a hot turkey sandwich and a root beer float on the way to camp (Webmaster's note: some things never change).

Clark remembers "Walter" who used to drive around, listen to baseball games, and make sure camp was clean. He also talked about the friendship he had with Swede Hunneke and how people of his era like Steve Hunneke, the Hettler brothers, Barb Bailey, and Halbe Brown, Clark says "hello" and hope to see them some time at camp.