El Paso County Parks Bear Creek Nature Center, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, is offering a professional certification training course for individuals who deliver interpretive programs and communicate with the public at interpretive sites.  The course provides an opportunity for new park interpreters, seasonal interpreters, docents, volunteers, and other individuals, to document their knowledge and practical skills related to the interpretive profession.  Participants who successfully complete the course will earn certification by the National Association for Interpretation as an internationally recognized Interpretive Guide.

This 32-hour Course Includes:

1. History, definition, and principles of interpretation
2. Making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
3. Incorporating tangible objects and intangible ideas into your programs
4. Presentation and communication skills
5. Certification requirements (open book exam; program outline; 10-min. presentation)
6. All materials, workbook and CIG course textbook

Requirements for the CIG Course
To participate, individuals age 16 and over should have a desire to increase their knowledge and communication skills related to interpretation. Membership in NAI is not required, but NAI members pay a discounted fee to participate in the program. 

When :
August 5-8, 2008
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily

Instructors:
Paula Megorden, CIG, CIT, Interpretive Specialist,
Bear Creek Nature Center;

Allison Plute, CIG, CIT, Interpretive Specialist,
Bear Creek Nature Center 

Certification Library:
A set of six interpretive books needed to complete the open book exam will be provided for your use during the workshop.  If you wish to purchase your own set, the NAI member discounted package price is $120 plus $10 shipping.  You may order these from www.interpnet.com/store/

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

Registration Fees:

1. $353  Certification (non-member of NAI): Includes instructor fee ($220), NAI membership ($45), Certification fee ($80), and course materials ($8)
2. $308  Certification (NAI member); Includes instructor fee ($220), certification fee ($80), and course materials fee ($8)
3. $133  El Paso County Parks Staff/Volunteer certification (non-member); Includes NAI membership ($45), certification fee ($80), and course materials ($8)

Download the registration form here.
Registration Deadline is July 5, 2008.

Further information:
For more information about the course, please contact Paula Megorden at paulamegorden@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-6388.