I have participated in several trips which Nancy Ball has led and thoroughly enjoyed them all. Nancy is a very responsible leader who pays attention to the details. She is both patient and helpful in making sure everyone is both safe and having a good time. I would highly recommend Nancy as a trip leader.

—Ella H.

When I started on this camping journey I didn’t know what to expect. I’d always wanted to hike and camp. Now I feel confident in my camping skills and want more women of color to experience the great outdoors as I have.

—Stephanie M.

Let me just tell you that Nancy is one of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered. Patient, fun, funny, challenging and supportive. The first time Nancy and I talked about the possibility of backpacking, she said: “Yes you can. I will help you.”  In four amazing months, our small group trained together (hiking with our ever-increasing backpack weights and strengthening with weekly yoga), learned together (like how to pitch a tent, plan our meals, keep each other safe), and grew together (deepening bonds of support). Never, ever did I think I could manage a four-day backcountry adventure. But I did—we did—with joy, courage, challenge, and laughter. If you think you’re too old, too afraid, too out of shape, too whatever—think again. Yes you can. Nancy will help you.

—M.E.  S. 

My husband and I went to Costa Rica February 2020 with Summit Trek and Travel. The trip was advertised to include 3 things: education, service and adventure. We certainly experienced all of these in a Jungle Paradise Adventure. The accommodations were rustic, comfortable and PERFECT! We were lulled to sleep by the waves (50 feet away) and enjoyed the howler monkey wake up call. The food was amazing and they were able to accommodate a vegetarian diet. Summit Trek and Travel organized our adventures with local tour operators. We were well briefed on what to expect including a detailed packing list. I was encouraged to do things outside my comfort zone and ended up having a blast. We definitely recommend travel with Summit Trek and Travel!

—Rita and Chuck B.

Nancy was a fantastic organizer and leader for our Grand Canyon trip which included 2 nights camping on the rim, then down to the bottom of the canyon for a 2 night backpacking stay, and out again.  Nancy had all the details pinned down very nicely and was extremely conscientious about safety.  She researched the Hermit Trail, and even organized an orienteering course to develop our compass skills. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid and is a Sierra Club hiking and backpacking trip leader.  I highly recommend Nancy as a leader and organizer of trips in the USA and abroad.  For those in the group who had another week’s vacation, she organized a tour of Lake Powell, The Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness and Antelope Canyon, including the world famous “Wave” rock formation. Nancy will provide the best organized, action packed, safest adventure you can imagine!

—Amelia M.

I had the privilege of going to Costa Rica in 2017 (1 week) and again in 2020 (3 weeks) with Summit Trek and Travel organized and led by Nancy Ball owner. I only used a travel company once before and by far the best experience I have ever had was with ST&T!! Nancy had presentations prior to one making a commitment to the trip that was very well organized, providing every detailed step of the itinerary, cost and what to expect along with the history of the area.  Nancy also covered the “How To’s” such as booking your flights, packing light weight and efficient,  money including what currency, tipping etc. What I like most about ST&T is the fact that we were engaged in the community having the opportunity to do a local day of volunteer work giving back to the community and meeting and working alongside the local people. I would highly recommend ST&T for any trip as this travel company does it all from backpacking to staying in lovely all equipped cottages.

—Denise T.