CIG Flathead Valley Community College May 2017

Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course

May 22-25, 2017
Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901
Instructor: Christiane Hinterman
Registration Cost: $265 (Certification is an additional $150)



Flathead Valley Community College, 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 certification.  

Option two: take the course and add certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee for certification and you must complete an open book Core Literature Review exam. 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 3 certification requirements needed to obtain a CIG (open book CORE Literature Review exam, program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation).

Texts Used in the Workshop

During this course, the books on interpretation listed below will be mentioned and some of their ideas explored. They are what the open book Core Literature Review exam covers and are useful texts for any interpreter to read. You are not required to purchase these texts for the course and a loaner set of these books will be provided by your instructor during the class for those who choose to add certification. If you would like to buy your own set for use during the class or for your own library, you can order them from NAI’s online store as individual books or as a package and listed under “Core Review Library Package”.  Click here to go to the NAI Store. 

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 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.

 The texts are:

  • Interpreting Our Heritage, by Freeman Tilden (4th Edition, U. of North Carolina Press, 2007)
  • The Gifts of Interpretation, by Larry Beck and Ted Cable (Sagamore Publishing, 2011)
  • Personal Interpretation: Connecting Your Audience to Heritage Resources, by Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman (National Association for Interpretation, 2015)
  • Interpretation: Making a Difference on Purpose, by Sam H. Ham (Fulcrum, 2013)



The Location

Flathead Valley Community College offers a professional and educational atmosphere with a wonderful facility and classroom. Nestled in Flathead Valley of Northwestern Montana, this location offers astounding beauty and a rich array of recreational opportunities for visitors. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the area is home to Flathead Lake, the United States’ largest natural lake West of the Mississippi. Access to the Flathead National Forest and the world-renowned Glacier National Park is just a short drive from the campus. 

Travel and Lodging

For information about the area and local lodging, please contact the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce (www.kalispellchamber.com).  

About the Instructor:

Christiane Hinterman has been active in the field of interpretation for 18 years. While attending Michigan State University she received a bachelor’s degree in Interpretation from the School of Parks and Recreation and in 2006 received a master’s degree in Environmental Education with the Expedition Education Institute and Lesley University. She has worked as an interpretive ranger, trainer, and programs manager throughout the nation as well as Guatemala and Mexico. In 2010, Christiane moved to the Flathead Valley of Montana where she has worked as a Ranger with the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park. Christiane has been teaching the CIG course for 5 years and is excited to help you develop and improve your skills in Interpretation. 

Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact Christiane Hinterman at christianehinterman@hotmail.com or call (970) 485-4854.

Special Terms and Cancellations

Cancellations must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by May 7, 2017. A nonrefundable processing fee of $50 will be assessed. Emailed cancellations should be sent to registration@interpnet.com. Cancellations cannot be made by phone.

No refunds will be given after May 7, 2017.

When
5/22/2017 - 5/25/2017
Where
Flathead Valley Community College 777 Grandview Drive Kalispell, MT 59901 UNITED STATES
Online registration not available.

Sign In

Please note: you must be logged in to the NAI website to register for this event.

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If you are a current or previous member of NAI and have problems retrieving your login credentials, please email login@interpnet.com.

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