Behind Every Camp: The People Who Go All In

The Heart of ROYAL

Behind every campfire conversation, every bike ride, every event, and every quiet moment of prayer is a team whose stories have been personally transformed by the message of True Identity in Christ. The heart of ROYAL isn’t built on a platform — it’s built on people who have encountered Jesus in their own pain, joy, loss, adventure, and restoration. Get to know the men and women who carry this mission, not just as leaders, but as sons and daughters who are living it first.

Matt Toth

Matt Toth is our Team Health Guide, and for him, the mission of ROYAL is deeply personal. The call to help kids and families discover their identity in Christ—meeting them right in the middle of their pain—mirrors his own journey of recognizing his need for Jesus more with each passing year. Some of the most defining moments in Matt’s story have come through trusted friends and mentors who carried his loss, failure, and heartbreak alongside him, embodying the presence of Christ in tangible ways. That’s the same gift he now longs to extend through ROYAL. Matt feels most alive laughing and crying with his wife, daughters, and closest friends—often while adventuring, playing, or sharing a meal in the mountains of Colorado he calls home. He thrives in both deep, vulnerable conversations and joyful connection, yet he also treasures long, quiet walks alone—miles that help him slow down, become present to his true self, and meet with Jesus in the stillness.

Mama Kim

For Mama Kim - our camp mom - her connection to ROYAL is intertwined with her son’s story. As Brandon’s first and favorite mom, she has had the sacred privilege of watching God grow in him a love for Scripture and a heart for the Lord—from his early childhood, through his ornery teenage years, and into the leader he is today as second-in-command of ROYAL, second only to Jesus. Walking alongside Brandon since the very beginning of the ministry has been one of her greatest honors. Mama Kim feels most herself when she is surrounded by love—especially from her children and six grandkids, her walking buddies, Bible study friends, and lifelong besties. She also comes alive in the quiet beauty of creating, whether with paint, chalk, pens, or stained glass, as she lets God’s creativity flow through her hands to make something that blesses Him and others.

Dustin Duenas

At the head of the SEAL Team (our prayer team) is Dustin Duenas, and ROYAL’s mission strikes at the very core of his own story. Helping youth understand their God-given identity as sons and daughters isn’t just a message he believes in — it’s one that shaped the trajectory of his life. From a young age, Dustin developed a personal relationship with God through the encouragement of peers, and in seasons when he felt lost or like he had nothing, God proved to be everything he needed. Even in the hardest memories, he now sees unexpected gifts woven throughout. That perspective fuels his passion to help young people build their own relationship with the Lord and embrace who they truly are. Dustin feels most alive when he’s surrounded by good-hearted people doing meaningful things — using their gifts, big or small, to make the world better. Whether he’s cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers with family, popping into a handstand, trading witty jokes, or tinkering with new tech, he brings energy, curiosity, and heart into every space he steps into.

Kate Carter

Acting as Director of Operations, Kate Carter shares that ROYAL’s mission isn’t just meaningful — it’s life-saving. She encountered the message of True Identity in Christ during the most painful season of her life, fighting to restore a marriage that ultimately ended. In the middle of heartbreak and loss, the truth that her circumstances did not define who she is in Jesus anchored her in hope. When she felt like she was losing herself on the battleground, Christ met her in the ashes and made beauty from what felt like death. Through ROYAL’s message, she discovered that He truly makes all things new — and that realization carried her through. Kate feels most herself when she’s serving others: holding space for someone’s pain, showing up in simple, tangible ways for friends, or creating gatherings where people can rest and experience joy. She treasures time with her six-year-old son, whose hilarious and sweet personality keeps her smiling, and with her fiancé, whose home-cooked meals and steady, tender love bring peace to her soul. And when she’s not hosting or encouraging, you might find her immersed in the suspense of horror video games on Twitch — laughing, screaming, and delighting in unexpected plot twists alongside friends.

Brandon Heidemann

Brandon Heidemann is our Founder and CEO. ROYAL’s mission is deeply woven into his own story. After his dad went to Heaven when he was almost five years old, he grew up longing for a father’s affirmation of his identity and worth. In that ache, God the Father met him personally, revealing what it means to be born of Him — given new spiritual life and secure value as His son. That revelation became the heartbeat behind everything he does: the belief that every person has the opportunity to receive Jesus’ gift, step into a brand-new life, and embrace their true identity. Brandon feels most alive when he’s with his people — his fiancée, family, team, or guests at camps and events — riding bikes, playing games, sharing meals, and diving into meaningful conversations about life and faith. While many know him for high-adrenaline adventures, entrepreneurial pursuits, and hosting dynamic events, few would guess that one of his favorite and most life-giving rhythms is tending his yard and garden — a quiet place that has grounded him, shaped him, and become one of his greatest teachers over the years.