Hi! My name is Mary Middlebrook. I started out as a homeschool mom in 2006. In 2011, I began teaching other homeschoolers in co-ops and privately. The demand for my classes was so great, that I started teaching online in 2016, opening Next Level Homeschool.
In 2021, I followed a lifelong dream and moved to Bocas del Toro, Panama, where a Caribbean coral reef and a wildlife‑rich jungle (sloth, monkeys, and poison dart frogs, oh my!) are literally my front yard. We created OJO BIO (oh-ho bee-oh), the Organization of Jungle and Ocean Biodiversity, on our 13 acres. The following year we welcomed our first group of full-year Marine Zoology students to our home Panama for hands‑on marine science fieldwork and cultural studies—a tradition that’s continued every year since. In 2025 we added a rainforest field studies mixed with Panamanian history and culture in Gamboa, Panama for my full-year Vertebrate Zoology students. As of the time of this writing in May 2025, we just wrapped up our busiest year ever with four back-to-back workshops, two for Marine Science and two for Vertebrate Zoology, educating over 80 people! These travel programs have been wildly popular but limited to full‑year students, so the next evolution is Worldologists—the travel branch of Next Level Homeschool. Worldologists will still ensure students “Know Before They Go” with online prep, but now through focused 4‑ to 6‑week courses instead of year‑long commitments, opening our adventures to even more families and the ability to offer travel throughout the year rather than only the end of the school year.
Worldologists is designed for families who value both educational structure and the freedom to travel on their own terms. You choose how and when to arrive, where to stay, and what to do outside our scheduled activities. You manage the travel details that suit your family best; we provide the learning program and day‑to‑day educational adventures.
FAQs
How does Worldologists work?
- Pick your expedition.
Browse our destination lineup and snag the trip that sparks your family’s curiosity.
2. Gear up online.
You’ll unlock a bite‑sized prep course—4–6 lessons, 1–2 hours each—so everyone arrives knowing the cool stuff (and the lingo) before the fieldwork starts.
3. Touch down & dive in.
-Fly in on your own timeline, settle into the lodging you chose, then let us take the wheel.
- Each day we shuttle you to/from hands‑on activities, guide the science and exploration, and serve a hearty lunch to keep energy high.
4. Evenings = free roaming. Want to hunt for the best street food, chill by the pool, or journal under the stars? The nights are yours.
5. Fly home with stories. Leave with new friends, cameras full of discoveries, and bragging rights for months.
That’s it—simple, flexible, and packed with learning‑through‑adventure every step of the way. Ready to get started?
Can we still travel if we don’t take the online class?
Yes, but I guarantee you’ll have a better experience if you Know Before You Go!
Is Worldologists a secular or religious program?
We’re proudly secular—so in our science lessons you’ll hear about evolution, a 4.6‑billion‑year‑old Earth, and the evidence behind them. Our history sessions aim for the clearest picture possible—no glossing over uncomfortable truths.
We also know great travel buddies can come from all perspectives, so we ask everyone to keep “hot‑button” topics (politics, religion, vaccines, abortion, etc.) out of group conversations. Respectful curiosity is always welcome; debates that might shut someone down are not. In short: evidence‑based learning, open minds, and zero drama. Let’s keep the focus on discovery—and on making new friends who love exploring the world as much as you do!
Our family is an eclectic crew! Is Worldologists inclusive?
Absolutely! Worldologists is built for every kind of family that loves to explore.
We’ve happily hosted LGBTQ+ travelers, adventurers with mobility or sensory challenges, multi‑generational crews—the works. The only non‑negotiable is basic respectful behavior, because everyone’s safety and fun come first.
If you’re wondering whether a specific need can be accommodated, just reach out. Let’s chat and make sure your crew can join the adventure comfortably and confidently.
I’m a single mom bringing my child(ren). Is it safe?
You’re in good company! Our trips naturally create a tight‑knit “travel village,” and single moms often tell us they feel safer than on any regular vacation. Why?
- Built‑in community. From day one, you’re surrounded by like‑minded families who watch out for each other and lend a hand when needed.
- Organized daytime schedule. We handle transport, activities, and lunch, so you’re not navigating unfamiliar places solo.
- On‑site guides and staff. Our team is there to answer questions, solve hiccups, and keep the group moving smoothly.
In short, you’ll have backup, new friends, and a support network every step of the way—letting you focus on sharing the adventure with your kids, not worrying about logistics or safety.
What ages are best suited for Worldologists trips? Can my child attend without a parent?
Each trip has a minimum age requirement listed on its detail page, and we don’t allow younger children to join for safety reasons.
If you have older kids who are ready for a bit more independence, they’re welcome to attend daily activities without a parent nearby—giving them space to explore and make new friends! Please note that all minors must have a responsible adult present in the general locations during their stay.
For full details on ages and supervision, check the registration form for the specific trip you’re interested in.
How physically demanding are the activities?
Many of our trips include adventures like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and more—often in hot, humid conditions. Each trip’s page will give you a detailed rundown of what to expect so you can prepare.
That said, we’ve had travelers with limited mobility join and enjoy the experience with support from our caring group of families and guides. We’re all about making exploration possible for as many adventurers as we can!
If you have specific concerns about physical needs or accessibility, just reach out—we’re happy to chat and help figure out what’s best for your family.
Should we have medical and/or trip insurance?
Absolutely—get both.
Medical insurance: Covers doctor visits, emergencies, or hospital care abroad. Peace of mind if someone twists an ankle on a jungle trail.
Trip insurance: Protects your investment if flights get scrapped, luggage vanishes, or you have to cancel last‑minute.
Together they turn “Uh‑oh” into “Handled.” Don’t leave home without them.
Do we need vaccinations?
Worldologists does not require any vaccinations for participation. However, you must comply with the entry requirements of the country we’re traveling to—including any vaccine or health-related mandates in place at the time of your trip.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help you sort through the details!
What documents do we need to travel?
You’ll need all the usual paperwork required by your destination country—like a valid passport, visas (if applicable), and any health certificates they require. It’s your responsibility to make sure your documents are up to date and meet the country’s rules for the entire length of your trip. Be sure to double-check well before you travel to avoid last-minute surprises!
What should we pack?
Every trip comes with its own detailed packing list and info sheet—check the document attached on your trip page for the specifics.
It’ll cover essentials like clothing, gear, and any special items you’ll need for the activities planned. Give it a good look before you start packing!
How far in advance should we arrive?
Plan to be at the designated meeting area by the day before the workshop starts—this gives everyone time to settle in and be ready to hit the ground running on day one.
And hey, feel free to come early or stay late! There’s always more to explore on your own before or after the group adventure.
What type of lodging can we expect?
We lock in a discounted block at a comfy local hotel so the whole crew can chill together—think evening pool hangs, spontaneous pizza parties, and kids trading field‑trip stories until lights‑out. Those after‑hours bonds are half the magic!
That said, every family is different. If you’d rather snag an Airbnb, splurge on a boutique inn, or bunk with relatives nearby, go for it. Just be sure you can reach our hotel meeting spot each morning on time—we leave as a group from there daily.
What meals does Worldologists provide?
We keep you powered up with a grab‑and‑go lunch—usually a choice of sandwiches, chips, granola bars, and fruit, or local fare when the destination calls for it. It’s the fuel to get you through reef dives and canopy treks without a midday “hangry” crash.
Breakfast and dinner? Those are your family’s ticket to explore neighborhood cafés, street‑food stalls, or that beach‑side spot locals rave about.
Because of the nature of our daily group lunches, we’re unable to provide special meals or accommodate dietary restrictions on-site. But no worries—you’re welcome to bring your own lunch to make sure everyone stays happy and fueled!
To keep our outdoor spaces as bug-free as possible, we ask that participants save snacks for breaks and only snack during activities if medically necessary. After all, there are already plenty of ants in the jungle—we don’t need to invite more!
Thanks for helping us keep the adventure smooth and pest-free.
What happens if the weather is bad or there are other logistical issues during the trip?
Bad weather? Closed road? No worries—backup plans are my super‑power.
I’m a homeschool mom, teacher, and world-traveler, so I always have a Plan B (and usually C and D). If a downpour cancels snorkeling or a hiccup stalls our transport, we pivot to something equally hands‑on and fun. Nobody’s left twiddling thumbs in a hotel lobby.
That said, we’re explorers, not sugar cubes. A little rain rarely stops the show; we roll on unless safety truly says otherwise. Bottom line: expect a flexible, educational adventure—even when the skies get dramatic.
How do refunds work?
- No‑refund rule. Once you reserve your spots, they’re locked in. We only issue refunds if we must cancel the workshop for personal reasons or the trip does not meet the minimum number of travelers.
- Travel insurance = your safety net. We strongly urge every family to buy a policy that covers trip cancellations, medical surprises, and travel curveballs.
- Wait‑list lifeline. Plans change—so if you need to back out, tell us ASAP. We’ll tap our wait‑list and, if another family fills your spaces, we’ll refund you for the spots we re‑sell.
Bottom line: commit with confidence, protect yourself with insurance, and let us know quickly if life throws a curveball so we can try to fill your spots.
Have a question not listed here?
We love curious families! Don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact form– we’re always here to help.