Course Dates: April 8-17, 2024
Instructor: Tim Merriman
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
Course Schedule
• Monday 4/8 to Friday 4/12/24 from 8am to 12pm Hawaii Time.
(You will have the weekend to work on presentations)
• On Monday, 4/15 we will have 20-minute coaching sessions with each participant on an appointment basis so you'll know when to connect.
• On Wednesday, 4/17 we will have all of the 10-minute thematic presentations by participants.
Please Note: You are required to attend all sessions, including the presentations of others if in pursuit of the CIG certificate.
Platform and Access
You will need a computer or laptop with excellent Internet access and the ability to login to Zoom.com for the online training. A smartphone or tablet is a useful backup device for emergencies but should not be your primary access tool. We do take hourly breaks on Zoom. Though international participants are welcome, all sessions are in English and presentations must be in English.
Instructor Information
Prior to the start of the course, you will receive information on how the course will work and the times you will be meeting from Tim. Tim Merriman is one of the originators of the NAI’s CIG program and co-author of the text, Personal Interpretation: Connecting Your Audience to Heritage Resources. The text is recommended, but not required, and may be purchased from Amazon. Tim has 50 years of experience in the field in public, private and non-profit natural and cultural heritage organizations.
Contact Information
Prior to the start of the course, you will receive information from your instructor on how the course will work and the times you will be meeting. For more information about the course, please contact Tim Merriman at timfmerriman@gmail.com or call (808) 854-3555.
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.
If you need to cancel your registration, cancellations cannot be made by phone and must be emailed to certification@interpnet.com. Cancellations requested before April 1, 2024: will be subject to a $60 cancellation fee; after this date no refunds will be issued. If fees paid are less than $60, no refund will be issued.