The organization Every Child A Swimmer featured an article about TJ’s story and the fundraiser event in their August 2025 newsletter.
“Their most recent gift of $3,500 will provide 14 children with life-saving swim instruction - and their advocacy continues to grow.” Read more:
Summer camps’ hidden danger
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - As summer vacation approaches, parents Olga and Travone Mister are raising concerns about camp safety following the drowning of their 6-year-old son, TJ, at a camp run by St. Louis County. The couple is advocating for stricter regulations, claiming current measures fall short and may put other children at risk.
First Alert 4 Investigates has been following the case for years and uncovering what the Mister family says is a gap in safety.
TJ drowned in July 2022 at an unlicensed county-run summer camp. Missouri does not regulate camps, meaning they are not licensed such as other childcare facilities like daycares. The way things stand, there is no requirement for camps to run background checks on employees or have staff with medical training. Learn more
On the day of TJ’s death, St. Louis County opened the Kennedy Recreation Center pool, knowing it did not have enough lifeguards to safely monitor the children. Almost immediately upon entering the pool TJ struggled to breathe and stay above water. He struggled for more than four minutes. Not a single camp counselor or lifeguard noticed as TJ struggled and drowned. TJ’s death was both tragic and completely unnecessary and resulted from the reckless choices of the Kennedy Recreation Center. Learn more
In honor of TJ Mister TJs story teamed up with ATR (Advanced Training and Rehab) company to raise over 1000 stuffed animals. Donations were made to four Saint Louis hospitals including Rankin Jordan , Mercy, Barnes Children’s and Cardinal Glennon foundation. Learn more
Affton family honors child who drowned in summer camp by raising awareness for other families
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NEWS UPDATE. Jan 31, 2023
Families connect through tragedy to change Missouri laws
by: Chris Hayes
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The family of a child who drowned at summer camp joined forces with families whose relatives died in a work zone crash. They confronted politicians to save others from their pain. They confronted legislators with the help of Missouri Representative Michael Burton.
We’ve gotten really great response from a lot of Republican representatives,” Michael Burton said. “I believe, today, we actually found a Republican representative to file T.J.’s Law when it’s complete. And so it will be a bipartisan bill, and I’m really excited about that.”
Our 4th Annual Bowling Fundraiser at Shrewsbury Lanes was an incredible success!
We are beyond grateful to everyone who came out to support our mission and to honor and celebrate our beloved TJ.
All proceeds will be donated to Goldfish Swim School swimming lessons.
Together, we reached our $5,000 fundraising goal—and thanks to Every Child a Swimmer that total will be matched, doubling the impact of every single donation. This would not have been possible without our amazing volunteers and supporters. The Duck Pond sold out within the first 30 minutes, one lucky winner took home more than $500 in the 50/50 drawing, and over 33 raffle baskets were happily claimed. Our auction items were also a tremendous success, with so many guests leaving with incredible prizes.
We are so thankful for the full house, the generosity, and the kindness that filled the room. The love we share for one another and for our children is truly priceless.
Thank you for helping us carry TJ’s legacy forward as we continue raising awareness and saving lives, one scholarship at a time.
With sincere appreciation,
The Mister Family
