About TJ’s Story Organization
TJ’s Story Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded by Olga and Travone Mister Sr. in memory of their beloved son, TJ. At just six years old, TJ’s life was tragically cut short in a summer camp pool.
Our mission is to ensure that no family ever endures such a heartbreaking loss.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to protecting children in summer camps by raising awareness about swimming safety and advocating for improved regulations. By working to prevent drownings in summer camp pools, we aim to save lives and create a safer future for every child.
How We Make an Impact
Through collaboration with local and state organizations, we highlight the urgent need for stronger safety measures in unregulated camps across Missouri. Together, we strive to establish comprehensive standards that prioritize children’s safety and well-being.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Every child deserves to be safe. By supporting TJ’s Story Organization, you can help us create a world where summer camp memories are filled with joy, not tragedy. Together, we can save lives and honor TJ’s legacy.
Olga and Travone Mister Sr. want justice for their son T.J. Mister.
On November 22nd, 2022, Olga Mister, the mother of TJ Mister, spoke in front of the Saint Louis County Council, asking the committee to change the law and regulate camps. We need to prevent this tragedy from happening to anyone else. We cannot have our son back, but we can save another family from this pain. Watch the video.
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“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
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
We will not give up until Missouri protects our children and makes summer camps safe.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Olga and Travone Mister did not know until after their child drowned in July that summer camps in Missouri are completely unregulated.
These parents don’t just want to warn you, they also want to enlist you into action.
“I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to any other family,” Olga Mister said. Learn more