The Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, is offering a professional certification course for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have public contact at any resource, facility or business such as visitor centers, nature centers, parks, museums, zoos, tour companies or heritage sites.

What makes this workshop unique?
"The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on earth."  —John Muir

Little known outside of Southern California, the small mountain community of Idyllwild is located in a tiny valley at the 5300 foot level of the 10,000 foot majestic San Jacinto Mountain. It is the northern most peak of the Southern California Batholith.  Below its steep eastern slopes lay Palm Springs and the Lower Colorado Desert. On its western rise, Idyllwild boasts fantastic views toward the Pacific Ocean.  Such diverse terrain has sculpted a brilliant landscape, rich flora and fauna and a strong cultural heritage. For more information on Idyllwild and this spectacular area please visit the following sites:

www.idyllwildchamber.com
www.idyllwildcalifornia.com
 
The CIG Program
The Certified Interpretive Guide program is designed for anyone who delivers interpretive programs to the public. It combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical skills in delivering quality interpretive programming to audiences.

This 32-hour workshop includes:

• History, definition, and principles of interpretation
• Making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
• Programming emotional and intellectual ideas into your presentations to connect audiences to the resource.
• Tailoring your programs for diverse audiences and various learning styles.  
• Presentation and communication skills.
• Interactive group activities, demonstrations, and individual sessions with instructor.   
• All materials, course workbook and supplemental text, Personal Interpretation.

Requirements for the CIG Course
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 pay a discounted fee. You may also elect to take the training without becoming certified.

Why become a CIG?
The CIG is an internationally recognized professional certification. Many potential employers and volunteer recruiters actively seek certified interpreters.   

Workshop participants are expected to:

• Attend entire workshop.
• Provide for your own lunch and dinner.
• Take a 50 question open book test.
• Produce a one page presentation outline. Trainers will insure adequate time is spent with individual participants prior to grading outline.
• Deliver a ten-minute thematic interpretive talk on last day of workshop. Once again, trainers will insure each participant has the opportunity to review content and techniques of talk with a trainer prior to presenting.

Certification Library: A set of books needed to complete the open book exam will be provided for your use during the workshop; however if you wish to purchase your own set of six interpretive texts, you may do so for a member discounted package price of $120 plus $10 for shipping. You may order these from http://www.naimembers.com/store/acatalog/Publications_Page_1.html.
Or you may order a library set with your workshop registration. 

The texts used are:
Environmental Interpretation by Sam Ham;
Interpreting Our Heritage by Freeman Tilden;
Interpretation of Natural and Cultural Resources by Knudsen, Cable & Beck;
Interpretation for the 21st Century by Beck & Cable;
Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell;
Interpreting for Park Visitors by Bill Lewis.

Getting There:
Nearest Airports to Idyllwild:

Los Angeles—About 100 miles
San Diego—About 115 miles
Palm Springs—About 50 miles
Ontario—About 76 miles

Driving directions: see www.idyllwildchamber.com
                                   
Amy Lethbridge is a Certified Interpreter Trainer and Deputy Executive Officer of the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority. She also holds an MBA and serves as an adjunct professor at Antioch University.  In addition to her normal duties, Amy manages the Park Training Institute, two residential environmental education camps and all interpretive programs for her agency. 

Amy also works as an independent training consultant and as such has worked all over the United States and Latin America training eco-tourism guides and working on development of sustainable eco-tourism with indigenous communities.

Roger Riolo is a Certified Interpretive Trainer and former Interpretive Program Manager at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. He is now an independent interpretive trainer and consultant. Roger is a very experienced trainer with an extensive background in cultural and natural heritage interpretation. He teaches Interpretation at Central Oregon Community College. He currently is serving as Director of Region 10 for the National Association for Interpretation.

Workshop Schedule with Package Options:
Sunday September 20,
5:00- 7:00PM Workshop Welcome Reception: Idyllwild Nature Center

Monday-Thursday, Sept. 21-24                                                                     
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily - CIG Workshop

Thursday, Sept. 29    
6:00-9:00PM, Post Workshop Barbeque with guest speaker.

Birder Bonus:
Wednesday Morning Sept. 23
7:00 to 8:00 a local bird expert will offer a morning bird walk for Workshop participants.   

Two Easy ways to Register:
1. Call Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County
Parks: 951-659-3850
Mon. thru Fri. 9:00AM -4:00PM PDT
        
2. Download a registration form from the above website
and mail or fax to:

Idyllwild Nature Center     
PO Box 341
Idyllwild, CA 92549
FAX: 951-659-3106
Tel: 951-659-3850

Meals: Due to location, we are offering breakfast and lunch options for workshop registrants.
Breakfast: Continental style to include pastry, muffins, fruit, yogurt and a choice of coffee, tea or juice.
Lunch: Catered each day by a local restaurant. Vegetarian options available. 

Meal Options:
         4 days; breakfast only: $30
         4 days; lunch only: $45
         4 days both meals: see package option

Registration Costs:
CIG Certification Workshop; Sunday reception included at no extra charge:       
Non Member (includes 1 yr. membership) $365             
Non Member (with student membership) $340
Current Individual NAI member: $315

Thursday Post Workshop Barbeque $25
Includes guest speaker

Entire Package: CIG, Meals & Barbeque                             
Non Member $455
NAI Member $405

Lodging:
        
Official Workshop Lodging:
Silver Pines Lodge & Creekside Cabins
PO Box 1171
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Tel: 951-659-4335
Street address: 25955 Cedar St.     
www.silverpineslodge.com

Register on your own: Ask for the Interpretive Training rate of $63@night single or double occupancy.  
                 
Camping:
Idyllwild Nature Center Camping: hook ups, water, flush toilets, and coin operated showers.
                 
For reservations visit:
www.riversidecountyparks.org/nature-historic-centers/idyllwild-nature-center 
                          
or Call: 951-659-2656
For more information on lodging, camping, hook ups, shopping or dining in the Idyllwild area visit: www.idyllwildchamber.com

To Register: Download registration form here.

For questions or further information contact:

Roger Riolo at rlriolo@bendcable.com
Tel: 541-610-4044.

Or

Shelley Kibby or Jyoti Kintz at the Idyllwild Nature Center
Tel: 951-659-3850