June 24-27 2024
Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, New York City Parks
3301 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Instructors: Monique Thompson and Judith Velosky
About this Course
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about how to develop and lead interpretive programs. This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation. During the course, you will develop a program outline and deliver a 10-minute thematic presentation, all with the support of your instructor(s) and fellow participants. You will learn how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic, and leave ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us,
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 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.
Registration Rate
$235; the certificate is an additional $165
Transportation and Accommodations
By car
Take the Belt Parkway to Kings Plaza exit (11N) and then north on Flatbush Avenue to Avenue U. Turn left on Avenue U and continue west for ten blocks. Pass East 33rd Street and look for the parking lot on the right.
By mass transit
Take the B46, B2 or B41 bus to Kings Plaza. Transfer for the westbound B3 bus to East 33rd Street and Avenue U. Take the 2 or 5 train to Nostrand Avenue, then take the B41 to Kings Plaza, then the B3 west to East 33rd and Avenue U. Take the N, F or Q trains to Avenue U, then the B3 bus east to East 33rd and Avenue U.
For hotels
Participants can search for hotels near "Marine Park Brooklyn." There is a Days Inn and a Best Western pretty close to the Nature Center.
Instructors Information
Monique is a Restorative Justice practitioner, nature enthusiast, and expert in interpretive education. Her programs inspire community connection and inclusivity, with a focus on environmental and personal well-being. She has been engaged in the education field for over 25 years as an instructor, collaborator, and learner. Discover more about your CIG instructor at www.raindropnaturalist.com.
Judith Velosky is a Certified Interpretive Trainer for NAI. She served as a New York City Parks Department Urban Park Ranger for 14 Years, helping New Yorkers find meaningful connections with the nature and wildlife around them. She currently works as a Senior Project Coordinator for the agency's Teaching and Learning Support Unit.
Contact Information
For more information about the course, please contact Monique Thompson at raindropranch@gmail.com or call (970) 672-7152.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Courses may be canceled due to low enrollment. In the event that this course is canceled, NAI will contact you and you will receive a full refund.
Cancellations cannot be made by phone and must be emailed to certification@interpnet.com.
Cancellations requested before June 17, 2024: will be subject to a $60 cancellation fee (unless the fees paid are less than $60); after this date no refunds will be issued.