October 3 - 6, 2022
Gulf State Park
20115 State Park Rd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Instructors: Jay S. Miller and Kelly Reetz
Registration Cost: $230 ($150 additional fee to add certificate)
Gulf State Park, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.
Course Options
There are two options for this course.
Option one: take the course without obtaining the CIG certificate.
Option two: take the course and add the certificate as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee for the certificate. The CIG lasts four years and comes with a complimentary one year membership. If you are already a member of NAI we will add your complimentary membership onto the end of your current membership.
The CIG Program
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or beginning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation techniques. The course combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.
This 32-hour course includes:
- The history, definition, and principles of interpretation.
- Techniques on how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
- How to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts.
- The 2 requirements needed to obtain a CIG (program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation).
Member Discount
Those choosing to apply for certification will receive a complimentary one year membership to NAI. Memberships will become active within a couple of weeks of registration and will allow you to purchase course books and other registrations at the discounted member rate. Once memberships become active, you will receive a receipt via email letting you know that you are all set up. Current NAI members will receive a one year extension on their current membership. If you are registering for $0, your membership will become active when you are certified.
Further Information
At 6,150 acre Gulf State Park you are surrounded by some of Alabama’s finest natural settings, but only minutes away from the comfort and convenience of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with their seafood restaurants and coastal souvenir shops. You can enjoy a walk on the Educational Pier, picnic at Lake Shelby, or a hike on the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail. If you want to explore further, you can borrow a bike through the bike share program. The trails traverse nine ecosystems and will take you on an adventure around the lake, past eagle nests, and through unique habitats and cultural points of interest. Gulf State Park offers a multitude of other activities including fishing, geocaching, exploring, and camping, just to name a few.
Our training and lodging ($45/night + 13% tax) will be at The Learning Campus, a modern sustainably designed and operated facility that includes indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratory, accommodations, and dining. We will have the opportunity to discuss park exhibits, outdoor classroom settings, and wayside exhibits at The Learning Campus and throughout the park. For lodging call (251) 923-3101 or email info@learningcampusgsp.com. It is not required to stay at The Learning Campus. There are many lodging facilities along the beach including the new state park lodge.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Cancellations and transfers must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by September 18, 2022. A nonrefundable processing fee of $50 will be assessed. Emailed cancellations and transfers should be sent to certification@interpnet.com. Cancellations and transfers cannot be made by phone.