CIG Toronto Zoo April 2017

Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course

April 4-7, 2017
Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7 Canada 
Instructors: Karen Conway and Kelly Bentley



The Toronto Zoo, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, is offering an interpretive guide training course for individuals who will be delivering interpretive programs or having public contact at interpretive sites.

This course is required to obtain guide certification. Those who take the course have the option to become certified by taking the certification exam at the end of the course and paying the additional certification fee.

For over 40 years, the Toronto Zoo is involved in protecting and saving wildlife species and natural spaces.  As Canada’s largest zoo, we provide experiences that connect people to the natural world and inspire them to live sustainably to protect biodiversity globally.

The Toronto Zoo is situated in the east end of the city and is located beside the Rouge National Urban Park, Canada’s newest national park.  Admission to the Zoo on all four days of the program is included in the course fees.  There will be an opportunity during the program to explore and visit with the many animals inhabiting the Zoo.

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 and communication techniques. The course combines both the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.

This 32-hour course includes:
  • history, definition, and principles of interpretation
  • making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
  • using tangible objects to connect audiences to intangible ideas and universal concepts in interpretive programs
  • presentation and communication skills
  • certification requirements (open book exam; program outline; 10-min. presentation)
  • all materials and workbook

Those choosing to apply for certification will receive a complimentary one year membership to NAI. Memberships will become active within a couple of days 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 setup. 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.


Additional Resources
If you wish to purchase your own Core Literature Review books, please visit the NAI store. The books are $109.00 for current members and $137.00 for non-members plus shipping (prices subject to change). You may wish to purchase the books after you have paid for your registration to this workshop and receive the discounted member rate. It will take a couple of business days for your membership prices to become active. It is recommended that you look over the material in advance to allow you to focus more on class activities during the workshop.

All materials included in your course will be shipped to your instructor.

Texts used are:

  • The Gifts of Interpretation (Larry Beck and Ted Cable)
  • Interpretation: Making a Difference on Purpose (Sam Ham)
  • Personal Interpretation (Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman)
  • Interpreting our Heritage (Freeman Tilden)

Lodging and Transportation
Workshop registrants are responsible for your own transportation and accommodations. The Zoo is accessible via public transit.  Paid parking will be provided to participants driving to the workshop.

Workshop Location
The workshop will take place at the Toronto Zoo (Meadowvale entrance – 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON).  Weather permitting, come prepared to head outdoors for some of the program activities.

Schedule
The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. each day. Lunch (1/2 hour) and breaks are scheduled into your day. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch or money to purchase lunch at Peacock Café. Light refreshments are provided during breaks. 

Further Information
For more information about the course, please contact Karen Conway at kconway@torontozoo.ca or call (416) 392-5942.

Registration Rates for Interpretive Guide Training Course
Early (By March 20, 2017): $230
Regular: $255
Add Certification: $150

Special Terms and Cancellation
Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by March 20, 2017; a nonrefundable processing fee of $50.00 will be assessed. Emailed cancellations should be sent to registration@interpnet.com. Cancellations cannot be made by phone.

No refunds will be given after March 20, 2017.
When
4/4/2017 - 4/7/2017
Where
Toronto Zoo 2000 Meadowvale Rd. Toronto, ON M1B 5K7 CANADA
Online registration not available.

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