n a recent episode of 88 thought leaders with EducationNext, we welcomed Michelle Regrave Moore, a visionary facilitator based in It’s Obidim/ Bansko, a mountain village near Bansko, Bulgaria.
Families from around the globe have begun to recognize Bansko as more than just a holiday hideaway; it's quickly becoming a beacon for worldschoolers seeking a unique, hands-on educational environment for their children.
At 1,280 meters above sea level, Michelle has created a unique space where children—especially those traveling with families or with special needs—can learn, grow, and simply be themselves through immersive experiences in nature, craft, and play.
Michelle doesn’t see herself as a traditional teacher. “The kids don’t even regard me as an adult,” she laughs.
Instead, she describes her role as a facilitator, setting the stage for children to explore their curiosity and autonomy. Her garden in Ibidum serves as a grounding hub for homeschoolers, worldschoolers, and families passing through Bansko’s vibrant community.
Here, kids engage in hands-on projects—gardening, art, and forest adventures—learning through life itself.
“You give them the ingredients and stand back,” she explains, emphasizing the power of unstructured, child-led discovery.
Her work extends to special needs programs, inspired by her stepson, Oliver, who thrives in Ibidum’s serene environment.
Michelle is launching tailored retreats, like one planned for June 2025 with young adults from Denmark, offering activities such as horse riding, thermal spring visits, and art therapy.
These retreats prioritize flexibility, allowing participants to shape their days based on their needs and moods—a stark contrast to rigid schedules that can overwhelm.
“It’s about freedom,” she says, “freedom to be themselves and connect deeply with others.”
Bansko, known for its ski slopes and homeschooling community, provides a rich backdrop.
Michelle highlights its unique blend of nature and connection, where families can access music lessons, language clubs, or forest picnics without the bureaucratic “red tape” found elsewhere. Her programs draw a mix of local homeschoolers and global nomads, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and cultures.
Last summer, her workshops—ranging from toddler sensory art to teen creativity sessions—saw an even split of residents and travelers.
For Michelle, success lies in organic growth. Word-of-mouth recommendations from parents fuel her outreach, as she admits to being “terrible at self-marketing.”
Yet her vision is expansive: she’s opening her space to volunteers through platforms like Workaway and WWOOF, inviting young people to learn by supporting her programs, particularly for special needs families.
To parents considering Bansko, Michelle’s advice is simple: connect. She encourages families to join Bansko’s homeschooling and worldschooling Facebook groups, arrange virtual chats with locals, and explore meetups at eco-parks or festivals like the rumored July 2025 nomad family event.
Her message is clear—whether your child has special needs or not, Ibidum offers a therapeutic escape from urban hustle, a place to breathe, bond, and rediscover what learning can be.
As Michelle prepares for her next retreat, her work stands as a testament to education beyond the classroom. In her garden, children don’t just learn—they flourish, wild and free.
For more information, contact Michelle here.
Learn more about her program here.
Check other here.
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