Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop overview
Capacity 15 participants.
James Little, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, is offering a professional certification course for individuals who will be delivering interpretive programs or having public contact at interpretive sites. The Certified Interpretive Guide program is designed for anyone who delivers interpretive programs to the public. It combines both the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical skills in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors. This 32-hour course includes:
• History, definition, and principles of interpretation
• Making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
• Using tangible objects to connect audiences to intangible ideas and universal concepts in interpretive programs
• Presentation and communication skills
• Certification requirements (program outline; 10-min. presentation)
• Materials include CIG course workbook
Requirements include
Anyone age 16 or over with a desire to increase their knowledge and skills related to interpretation may participate. Membership in NAI is not required, but NAI members may pay a discounted fee to participate in the program. You can also elect to take the training without becoming certified.
Typical daily schedule: 8 am to 5 pm. For more information call James Little, instructor, at (208) 789-4812.
Evaluation comments from CIG workshops led by James (Jamie) Little:
“I really enjoyed the four days of training with Jamie Little and the other participants. I had so much fun, and I learned so much about the world of interpretation. I'm ready to put the skills I learned and my program to use here in Yosemite!”
“It really helped me to clarify the differences between Interpretation and Education.”
“As someone new to interpretation, it really helped me to understand what I needed to do to have a quality interpretive program.”
“Jamie Little was very passionate about interpretation, and he really wanted to see us succeed and develop the best program possible.”
“The workbook was informative but the most helpful part of the class was the example presentations from the instructor, and the feedback from instructor and peers.”
“I enjoyed this course--Jamie was a knowledgeable and engaging instructor and seeing other interpreters delivering interpretive programs about the places they work was a highlight.”
“Jamie was an inspirational teacher. His feedback was reserved but perfectly placed. He allowed me to guide my own ship with only minor course corrections.”
“Jamie provided great feedback and was very kind and encouraging. He did a great job presenting principles and best practices of interpretation in this 4-day workshop.”
“Jamie did a great job presenting the material.”
“Really impressive class, thought provoking and helpful. I see the concepts that we’ve learned here changing the entire way we develop programs at the Nature Center.”
“Thank you for bringing this high level of professional training to our facility.”
“Jamie does a spectacular job challenging you to improve yourself as a professional while demonstrating patience and consideration for all involved in his classroom.”
“Very professional, knowledgeable and clear communicator who explained concepts well and answered questions completely.”
“It was great, I learned a lot about developing programs and presenting them. I raised my level of confidence significantly.”
“Jamie was an incredible instructor and I learned a great deal.”
Certified Interpretive Guide Workshops led by James Little:
2010 Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (Co-led with OPRD staff)
2012 Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (Co-led with OPRD staff)
2014 Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo
2015 (three workshops) Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory
2016 Oregon State Capital Foundation
2018 Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
2020 Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
March 2022 Boise Watershed Education Center
October 2022 Boise Watershed Education Center
March 2023 Boise Watershed Education Center.
October 2023 at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.
Upcoming CIG Workshops
October 21-24, 2024 at MK Nature Center in Boise, Idaho. Registeration on the National Association for Interpretation website to open soon.
Custom Interpretive Trainings
I can create interpretive training schedules and content to fit your agency needs, call or email to discuss your goals.
Environmental Education Training
Training can be provided for your staff and volunteers in creating and leading environmental education programming that connects to the school curriculum while utilizing the resources of your site.