Who We Are
Founded in November 2022 in loving memory of TJ Mister, TJs Story is a St Louis based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. TJs Story was created after the tragic loss of our six-year-old son who drowned in a summer camp pool. No family should ever have to endure such a preventable tragedy, and no child life should ever be lost this way.
Our mission is to protect children by promoting water safety, advocating for stronger safety standards in camps, and raising awareness about drowning prevention. We work tirelessly to improve camp safety, support meaningful legislation and collaborate with various organizations across United States to strengthen regulations and ensure every Child has access to a safer camp experience.
Together, we are turning tragedy into action-
honoring TJ’s legacy by working to prevent future drownings and creating a safer future for children and families.
“We do not give up even if we are sad. We do not give up Never!” - Travone Mister Jr.
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Our Mission
TJs Story is dedicated to our son Travone Maurice Mister Jr, who was six years old when he died from negligence at a Kennedy Rec Center in St. Louis County summer camp. TJs unfathomable death brings to light a problem we need to change. We learned that his death was preventable during our search for answers. Missouri does not regulate camps for children, leading to our son’s death.
Our son TJ was an innocent soul with his whole life ahead of him. We want to prevent another death of a child.
Summer camps in Missouri are completely unregulated!
Summer camps are exempt from childcare licensing in Missouri and Illinois.
What does this mean?
No required background checks, unless you are an overnight camp
No requirement for the number of adults needed to supervise children
No required facility safety inspection
No healthcare provider on staff
No emergency action plan
Our mission is to raise awareness within the community, to bring change to the requirements and regulations, and create TJs Law that will protect the children of our future. We want to educate parents on the dangers of unregulated camps. Learn more
We will not give up until Missouri protects our children and makes summer camps safe.
