October 23-26, 2023
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa, Idaho 83686
Instructor: James Little
Registration Cost: $230 (The certificate is an additional $165)
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 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.
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge at Lake Lowell is an Audubon Important Bird Area. eBird has documented 284 species of birds in the area. Lake Lowell features one of the three largest nesting colonies of western and Clark’s grebes in Idaho.
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.
Instructor
James Little has over 30 years of experience in interpretation, having worked for four different state park systems, including two as state-wide interpretive coordinator. He has created award-winning Junior Ranger programs, interpretive exhibits, and nature centers. He has led agency trainings in interpretation and environmental education for hundreds of interpreters across the USA. He has led 11 Certified Interpretive Guide Workshops.
Further Information
For more information about the course, please contact James Little at littlejames@rocketmail.com or call (208) 789-4812.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Participants are allowed to transfer one time at no charge. Cancellation and transfer requests cannot be made by phone and must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by October 8, 2023. Cancellations processed before the cancellation deadline will be subject to a $60 cancellation fee (if fees paid are less than $60, no refund will be processed). Cancellations made after this date will not receive a refund. Emailed cancellations and transfers should be sent to certification@interpnet.com.