ABOUT ANVIL

Learn more about the history of Daybreak Point Bible Camp on Anvil Island, as well as our member churches, board members and our mission to serve.
Our Mission

Our mission is to encourage campers to encounter the love and life of Jesus Christ through:

• Christ-centred teaching and programs
• Christian Community
• Personal relationships
• A safe and fun camp experience

The Board

The Board is a Volunteer Committee that meets once a month (year round) and is composed of elected representatives.  The Board is made up eight individuals and includes our Chairman (Terry Carabetta), Vice-Chair( David Jones), Treasurer (Blake Henley), Secretary (Mackenzie Saip) and three members at large (James Copp, Taryne Hagan and Ajay Martin). In addition we have a variety of other committees including: the Sessions Committee, the Facilities Oversight Committee, the Human Resources Committee, and the Director’s Nominating Committee.

Our Members

Daybreak Point Bible Camp is a stand alone society which is supported financially, and spiritually through the tireless efforts of member churches, individual donors, and many volunteers. The Member Churches each select one representative who attends meetings and agree to uphold the principles, mission, and beliefs of Daybreak Point Bible Camp. Furthermore, the member churches contribute financially, provide volunteers and promote the Camp. 

Bakerview Gospel Chapel
Cascades Church
Emmanuel Christian Community
Every Nation Vancouver
Granville Chapel
Heather Bible Chapel

 

 

 

Marineview Chapel
Parkcrest Bible Chapel
Sixteenth Avenue Gospel Chapel
Tsawwassen Alliance Church
Westminster Bible Chapel

 

 

 

Community Partners

The fabric of Daybreak Point Bible Camp goes far beyond just the people that attend a camp each summer. We are fortunate enough to have some incredible Community Partners , and we consider ourselves fortunate enough to affiliate ourselves with them. They are, in no particular order: The 604Network (formerly the Chapel Movement), The Union Gospel Mission, Columbia Bible College, KidsWorld  and Youth Unlimited.

Established 1939

In 1939 Jim Rattray and Bob McKenzie had a Sunday School class of boys. Jim Rattray had the idea to send some of his students to a Bible Camp and it was suggested that he take them himself instead. Jim reached out to Bob and asked if he would join this venture and so they looked for a place to go. They found an ad that read, “A duplex on Anvil Island for fifteen dollars for two weeks”. They didn’t know where Anvil Island was, but the price and place sounded good so they made arrangements to go up in July for two weeks. Almost all of these first 11 campers were the children of single parents and this camp became instrumental in their lives. The arrangements were made, provisions (slide lantern, coal oil lamps, groceries and burlap sacks filled with straw for sleeping) were purchased and loaded onto a boat called “Valkyrie” to head to Anvil. The cost for food for that camp was no more than $58 dollars – a food bill that has never since been replicated! After two – three hours they arrived on Anvil Island and the first camp began.

Daybreak Point Bible Camp

In 1940 the second camp ran – one week for boys and one for girls and it was decided that a name was needed for the camp. Originally they were going to call the camp “Alder Bay Bible Camp” because of the amount of Alder trees on the property. However, they thought that “Daybreak Point Bible Camp” was a more meaningful name as they were trying to change the outlook for these boys and girls and give them insight into how they can be born again and have new life. Henceforth, the camp was named Daybreak Point Bible Camp. Jim noticed that on a fishing trip the Government Marine Charts had the name “Daybreak Point” on Anvil Island – the government had made note of the name and put it on their charts. “Some people may wonder who selected the site of Anvil Island. Actually, nobody selected the site but God Himself because we had no place to go.” – Jim Rattray

The Society

After the Second World War, Eric Hunt called a meeting of the local assemblies in Vancouver to explore the idea of establishing a permanent summer camp on Anvil Island. At the meeting, Mr. Hunt shared a detailed vision for how the camp could operate and presented an opportunity to purchase 95 acres of land on Anvil Island, owned by a Mr. Steves.

Although none of the assemblies had funds set aside for such a venture, the idea sparked enthusiasm. After some discussion, one man stood up and said that if all the assemblies were in agreement, he would personally provide the funds. With unanimous support, he wrote a cheque for $6,000 and handed it to Mr. Hunt to take to Mr. Steves.

A formal society was soon established, and Daybreak Point Bible Camp officially came into being—held in trust by the local assemblies of Vancouver.

—From Joe Johnson’s account

Anvil Island

The Squamish Nation first named the island lhaxm which means “place of snake”. This refers to one of the many mythical creatures that roam and reside on the island according to the Squamish Nation’s tradition. In 1792 Captain George Vancouver re-named the island “Anvil Island” for it’s anvil-like shape. The island was home to Columbia Clay Company (1867 – to 1917) and Anvil Island Brick Company (1912 – 1910). The bricks were burned in a kiln only a few feet from the water and then loaded onto scows and towed to market. By 1905, the company was the largest brick supplier in British Columbia and had a capacity of 30,000 bricks a day. These bricks are highly sought after by collectors in our community! The island was also home to an incredible apple orchard and the apples were even exhibited at the 1933 Chicago World Fair. Some of the trees remain to this day on the camp property and still yield delicious fruit.

 

Our Staff

Shannon Fenton
Administrator

Kent Freisen
Camp Caretaker

Wendi Branchard
Bookkeeper

Contact Us

Phone: 604.764.8569
E-Mail: Info@anvilisland.ca | admin@anvilisland.ca
Mail: Daybreak Point Bible Camp
P.O. Box 18085, Vancouver, BC   V6M 4L3
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

People To Know

Chairman:  Terry Carabetta
chairman@anvilisland.ca
Treasurer: Blake Henley
treasurer@anvilisland.ca
Rentals Coordinator: Helena Borne
rentals@anvilisland.ca
Work Parties:
work.parties@anvilisland.ca
Official Spokesperson
mediarelations@anvilisland.ca

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