Meet the Owners
No one knows how to scare someone quite like the Shipp family. The Shipp's have created experiences similar to School District 13 for years. The Shipp's are very active people. They move from place to place and are always on the hunt for new experiences and attractions. They even have a small travel blog that they update regularly.-- (http://bruisedbanana.travel)
The Shipp's travel for a living, as they do not prefer to stay in one place for a long amount of time. Their daughter, Lydian Shipp, also goes to school online. "We have different reasons for traveling... the challenge of living in a foreign country keeps us entertained," Jennifer said. The Shipp's have structured their lives around traveling and creating enjoyable experiences for their patrons. So what is it that always draws the Shipp's back to Nebraska? One thing is for certain, it is not the Corn.
John Shipp
Jennifer Shipp, hangs the price ticket for the Raffle that happens during the event. all patrons are free to enter
From left to right: Jennifer Shipp, Lydian Shipp, and John Shipp, The Shipp family poses for a family picture in front of the School house where the build their attraction
The Shipp Family
The Shipp family are the founders and sole proprietors of not only School District 13 but also the school itself. The Shipp's have converted the inside into a home that they live in and are looking to rent out while they are away. "We are always on the move, and constantly looking for something new," Jennifer said. The Shipp's try and live life to the fullest. As the family is currently living in another country, they came back just to continue to run this event.
"You could say that it has become sort of a hobby for us," John said. The couple has begun to take their hobby very seriously.
Around The Town of Brule, Nebraska, the Shipp family are looked at as somewhat of celebrities. The Shipp's infectious enthusiasm has helped create something from nothing. The time and effort put into this project has helped bring attention to the small community. "We are thankful for what they have done around here," says Matt Dunden. Brule is a small and dying town town, there is no denying that. The small businesses are kept alive, only by the patrons that live there. By giving the community a chance to shine and come together, the Shipp's have helped bring a community together and make the town stronger, even if only for a few nights a year.