Sunnybrae Bible Camp, July 20, 1947
OUR HISTORY
Rev. George Dawe accepted a call to pastor First Baptist Church, Salmon Arm, in September 1939. Within months, God birthed a vision to start a Bible Camp on the shimmering shores of Shuswap Lake. He later wrote, "We had no equipment, no money, no professional expertise - just a vision and "a will to do His good pleasure." (The Sunnybrae Story, The First Forty Years, By George R Dawe, Founder)
They began with two camps in the spring of 1940, one for the boys and one for the girls. A total of 7 staff served 36 campers, and camper fees were $1.50 per week. Held on a plot of land in Blind Bay secured with a $5 handshake, the ministry was expanding so quickly that it needed a more permanent location, and the camp moved to its current location in 1944.
Consisting of the churches of Kamloops, Barriere, Salmon Arm, Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon and Kelowna, the newly formed Association of Fellowship Baptist Churches of South Central BC held a name the camp contest in 1945. So began Sunnybrae Bible Camp - along with decades of development. SBC continued to grow, such that the Association of regional churches launched the Journey of Faith Campaign in 2002. This endeavour seemed especially ambitious, with a goal of $1.821 million… but God faithfully went ahead. New facilities provided increased ministry opportunities and opened up the winter months with warm dorms and a large Dining Hall.
In 2010, SBC entered into a ministry partnership with Millar College of the Bible, and again, God multiplied SBC's capacity and ministry. It is a privilege to share together in His work.
Camp Staff, Summer 1941
[L to R: M. Dyck, Les McLean, F. Hausfeld; Mrs. Milligan; Rev E. Carter]
Junior & Intermediate Boys Camp, Summer 1941
Junior Girls Camp, Summer 1941
MISSION & VALUES
SBC strives to be a dynamic Christian camping ministry committed to a gospel impact by supporting our regional churches in fulfilling their ministry mandate to bring children, youth and adults to the saving knowledge of and maturity in Jesus Christ.
Girls Camp, 1948; there were 67 campers in attendance.
VISION
To faithfully enlarge our ministry capacity to serve the gospel mandate of our Fellowship Pacific churches as they pursue a God size impact in South Central BC.
Cabin One, 1947
Pictured: Dr. Kope and John Penner (both of Enderby); three other men unknown
CAMPAIGN VISION
While the JoH campaign significantly enhances the facility, there is so much more to the project.
The Association of Fellowship Baptist Churches of South Central BC began with just 7 churches in 1941. Those first congregations established the camp and shared in the ongoing vision of SBC. Since then, our region has grown to include 18 churches, and they remain connected to each other and deeply committed to this camp. Their collective impact is immeasurably vast. Really, the story of Sunnybrae is the story of our churches, who are more qualified to reach, teach, equip, and disciple their respective communities than camp could ever be. If there is to be a revival, we believe that God will accomplish it through the local church's ministry. SBC’s role is to support and energize the ministry of our churches by hosting a condensed discipleship experience for as many as we can, reaching new believers and training future leaders to return to their churches. Thus far, this strategy has been effective. Many have been introduced to Jesus. Many have resolved to know Him more. Many have been introduced to a local church. Many have responded wholeheartedly to serving Him.
We believe this campaign is more about shared obedience than it is about enhancing the facility. Buildings cannot inspire hope. Rather, we seek to respond faithfully to His mission as we sense a need, opportunity, and urgency to serve our churches better. Our ultimate vision is that God leads this project for His name's sake.
Construction of the Sunnybrae Tunnel, an underpass beneath the road to afford safe access to the lake. Completed June 18, 1989
Collage of Gym build, 2001
The new Gymnasium, complete with the climbing wall on the side and Bastion Mountain ever majestic in the background
Dining hall & main building prior to Journey of Faith Campaign
Journey of Faith Campaign, 2002
