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,

Travone Maurice Mister Jr. (TJ).

TJ was a joyful, loving six-year-old who should have had a lifetime of memories ahead of him. Instead, his life was tragically cut short after he died due to negligence while attending a summer camp at Kennedy Recreation Center in St. Louis County.

No parent should ever have to ask why their child didn't come home.

As we searched for answers, we discovered something that shocked us: TJ's death was preventable. We also learned that most summer camps in Missouri are not regulated by the state, leaving significant gaps in safety standards designed to protect children.

Our family cannot change what happened to TJ, but we are determined to make sure his story creates change that protects other children.

What Parents Need to Know

Many families believe that all children's camps are required to meet basic safety standards. In reality, most summer camps in Missouri are exempt from state childcare licensing requirements. Many camps in Illinois are also exempt from childcare licensing.

Depending on the type of camp, this can mean there may be:

• No required background checks for staff

• No minimum staff-to-child supervision ratios

• No required facility safety inspections

• No healthcare provider or medical professional on site

• No required emergency action plan

Parents deserve to know these facts before trusting a camp with their children.
Our mission is to ensure that no family ever endures such a heartbreaking loss.

Our Mission

TJ's Story exists to honor our son's life by turning unimaginable loss into meaningful change.

We are committed to:

• Raising awareness about the lack of regulation for children's camps

• Educating parents so they can make informed decisions about their children's safety

• Advocating for stronger safety standards and accountability

• Working to pass TJ's Law, legislation that would establish protections for children attending summer camps

We believe every child deserves a safe environment to learn, play, and make lifelong memories. Every parent deserves the peace of mind that reasonable safeguards are in place.

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

Change begins with awareness.

By learning TJ's story, sharing our mission, supporting our advocacy efforts, and speaking up for stronger protections, you can help us create a future where no family experiences the preventable loss of a child because of inadequate safety standards.

TJ's legacy is more than our loss—it is our promise to fight for safer camps and stronger protections for every child. Together, we can help make TJ's Law a reality. 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.