Banks Dixon - Owner, Original Frog Hollowian :) | Venmo: @Banks-Dixon

In 1998 with an answering machine, a handful of canoes, and a passion for the outdoors, Banks began a tiny side hustle he called Frog Hollow. Currently, along with operating Frog Hollow, Banks is the Outdoor Adventure Instructor at Insight Co-Learning in Durham NC, and works with the National Center for Outdoor Adventure Education planning and guiding backcountry expeditions. Banks has lived and breathed work in the outdoor industry since the late 80s. Examples of his past work include positions as the Adventure Director for Camp Frederick in OH, Stewardship Coordinator for the Triangle Land Conservancy, and slinging gear at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. He is an Eagle Scout, a trained American Canoe Association (ACA) Kayak Instructor, a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), NOLS Outdoor Educator, and served in the US Marine Corps. His personal travels include numerous challenging expeditions, highlights of these include thru-hiking the AT, summiting Mt. Rainier, traversing the Baja, trekking the Annapurna’s in Nepal, and kayaking the Grand Canyon. Banks is committed to helping people gain a greater respect and understanding of themselves, others, and their environment through outdoor adventure based experiences.

Jerry Yang - Operations Manager, Guide, Instructor | Venmo: @ssjyang

Hi! I'm Jerry, and I've been working with Frog Hollow Outdoors for quite a few years now. I live a beautiful transient life in my cargo van that I converted myself, traveling and paddling and climbing and hiking! I've guided and instructed whitewater and flatwater paddling at a high level, and have guided trips in both North and South America.

Alex Kaplan | Venmo: @alexkap

Alex grew up paddling and hiking all around the Durham area. He started working at Frog Hollow in 2023, helping lead tours, teaching classes and camp counseling. He is a 2026 graduate from the University of Vermont where he earned a B.S. in Archaeology. He now splits his time between working in contract archaeology and paddling with Frog Hollow. When he’s not working Alex can be found playing disc golf, basketball, skiing, hiking and watching movies.

Clara Kempter | Venmo: @Clara-Kempter

Clara Kempter is an NC native who can’t stop coming back! They grew up playing and paddling in rivers in the Piedmont area, and started flatwater guiding in 2017. After a period of several years living in South Korea, New York, Germany, and Boone, they have found their way back to the Triangle with some new skills in tow. These days they juggle a variety of jobs: guide, handyman, photographer, and classical flutist, but it’s all really just to support the dual hobbies of whitewater kayaking and climbing. This is their first season with Frog Hollow!

Diogo Gomes | Venmo: @di090

Diogo, who grew up in Carrboro, spends his days in the woods. He has tons of experience with kids from working 5 years as a swim instructor. Diogo loves everything outdoors or technology-related. He likes to mountain bike, climb, hike, camp, wade, swim, backpack, and paddle. Diogo is currently at Toronto Metropolitan University, studying Photography and Geography. When not on the water or leading camps, you can find Diogo in Carolina North Forest riding singletrack or wading through the creek.

Izzy Moffitt | Venmo: @Izzy_Bee

Izzy has lived in Durham most of their life and became involved with Frog Hollow through camps at age 10. Izzy began work with Frog Hollow at 14 as a CIT/SIT. This is the 5th year that Izzy has been on staff, running camps, trips, or other programs alike. Izzy is currently at the University of New Hampshire studying Recreation Management & Policy. On days they're not working, you'll find Izzy outside (probably swimming or playing in the Eno) or hammocking along the bank in the shade!

Joe Glatstein

Joe’s attendance of summer camp in the Appalachian Mountains helped foster his appreciation for the intersection of nature and community. It was at camp where Joe gained his first paddling experience, rafting on the Nantahala River, doing some guest guiding as a counselor. Almost ten years later, Joe joined a week-long self-guided oar rafting trip on the Yampa River, piloting a raft, and loved it. About a year after the trip, Joe joined Frog Hollow, where he helps guide trips like Eno River Brewing Paddle & Beer Tasting, teach classes like Stand-up Paddle Board Basics, and work the bi-annual gear sales. Joe loves being able to help folks receive the benefits of being on the water and in nature.

Stephen Mullaney | Doesn’t own a phone

Stephen Mullaney has worked internationally with schools, organizations and wilderness programs.  His classrooms have ranged from dilapidated trailers at overcrowded, underfunded  schools to the Himalayan mountains and everything imaginable in-between.  His students include former gang members/prisoners and education majors, professors and pioneers in the field . Stephen's philosophy is to focus on the development of positive working and learning environments.  Stephen brings over 25 years of  education experience and understanding of human nature to bring positive change to any organization, whether it is an education institution or a private company.  He prefers to arrive by bicycle and sit in the dirt.

Sumi Farrell | Venmo: @Sumi-Farrell / PayPal: SumiFarrell

Sumi began working as a camp counselor for Frog Hollow in the summer of 2023. Now, she continues to lead summer camps in addition to being a guide. Sumi loves to travel and be outdoors, especially with children! She is a collector of bugs and rocks, and will happily sit and look at mushrooms or moss. Sumi attends the University of Vermont where she is studying environmental studies, American Sign Language, and dance. In VT, you may find her playing ultimate frisbee, cross country skiing, or contra dancing. Sumi is stoked to meet all the fellow adventurers who wander this way.

Summer Bowman | Venmo: @Summershb1

Summer is a North Carolina native and graduate from UNC Chapel Hill in biology and medical anthropology. Much of their early outdoors experience is rooted in search and rescue with the Civil Air Patrol and later with the South Orange Rescue Squad. This is their first season at Frog Hollow Outdoors! Outside of Frog Hollow, you can find Summer trying new local coffee shops or hammocking by a babbling creek.