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 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.