Bingham hooked on Webb outdoor travel, 10-year volunteer
Posted June 5, 2012
Bill Bingham, retired Bell Buckle postmaster, didn’t stand a chance. One trip to the Grand Canyon with Brian Wofford, Outerlimits coordinator, and a group of students from The Webb School, and he was hooked. Since that trip more than 10 years ago, Bingham has volunteered to travel with Webb groups on nearly 70 trips.
Bingham recently retired as postmaster after 34 years (40 including military service). His retirement reception was hosted in Webb’s Grace Follin Dining Hall and school officials expressed appreciation for his service to Webb.
“You can’t buy volunteer services like Bill Bingham’s,” said Wofford. “Bill is the consummate leader. There’s no way Webb could afford to pay him.” Bingham also helps transport gear on Webb trips.
Through the years, Bingham has also served as the Bell Buckle volunteer fire chief, and that’s how the two of them met. Bingham approached Wofford requesting use of a classroom for a First Responder’s course he planned. Wofford was interested in taking the class, so the idea was mutually beneficial. “By virtue of that, I became a volunteer firefighter and a First Responder,” said Wofford, who added that the latter is a good certification to have as coordinator of outdoor programs.
And while Bingham helped teach Wofford a thing or two about emergency response, Wofford said Bingham “quickly picked up special skills in hiking and camping.”
Before Bingham signed on as a Webb outdoor program volunteer, Wofford took him on a sophomore trip. “It was horrible weather, two nights and three days.” Undaunted, he was ready for that first Grand Canyon trip. “He adapted well to all that. He’s really good.”
“I enjoy the outdoors, and traveling with Brian and the Webb students has afforded me the chance to be a part of a hiking team,” said Bingham. “As in any team activity, the effort of all team members cuts down the workload and increases the enjoyment for all.”
In addition to his camping and hiking skills, Bingham’s forte is storytelling and cooking – two vital aspects of a good outing.
Confirming that Bingham retired from the USPS, but not as Webb’s outdoor program volunteer, Wofford said, “We’re planning the next spring break trip.”
