Beloved Camp Pavilion Rebuilt After Sandy, Named in Memory of Former Camper

On Thursday, July 11th, hundreds of campers and parents gathered at Day Camp Sunshine for the first family picnic. Not only were they celebrating the start of camp and the new pavilion, but they were gathered to dedicate it to the memory of a very special camper, Janet Zilinski. 

After Hurricane Sandy destroyed the former picnic pavilion, affectionately known to campers as the "Lunch Shed", Day Camp Sunshine was able to collect insurance funds, and in cooperation with Dale Monetti of Monetti Builders of Stirling, build a new and improved Picnic Pavilion. With capacity for up to 225 people, a large charcoal grill, a sound system, built-in lighting for evening usage, and multiple power outlets, the pavilion is an exciting addition to the Fellowship Deaconry Ministries campus that is also undergoing significant renovations.

Janet was a fun-loving, energetic, sweet camper who left a lasting impact on Day Camp Sunshine. Her tragic passing in 2006 led to the establishment of the Janet Fund, a 501(3)(c) organized by her parents. The Fund is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death in New Jersey’s youth through awareness, legislation, AED placement and training. It is their mission to make Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) available in every school in NJ and make them commonplace on playing fields.

The Zilinski family was on hand for the special dedication and shared with the families present about the special impact that Day Camp Sunshine had on Janet. "She loved this camp," her mom Karen said. "It's our honor as a camp to dedicate this to Janet, and to acknowledge the amazing work that the Zilinskis are doing through the Janet Fund," said Todd Haraldsen, DCS Director. 
For more information about the Janet Fund, visit janetzilinski.org.