Upcoming CIG Workshops

Spring 2025 in Boise, Idaho, date TBD.

Participants in my CIG Workshops the last two years have been from Canyon County Parks, National Park Service, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Idaho State Historical Society, Get Outdoors Nevada, MK Nature Center, Boise Watershed Center, and the Southern Nevada Conservancy.

This introductory course is great for college students, new staff or volunteers to learn how to give an interpretive presentation. Also a great refresher for staff with experience.

This Workshop can be helpful for college students looking for seasonal work in interpretation.

This is a great opportunity for staff and volunteers to enhance their skills in interpretation!

This workshop is designed for those who work in Visitor Centers, Nature Centers, Parks, Zoos, Aquariums, Botanical Gardens, and Museums.

Registration Cost: $600

The Certified Interpretive Guide Program is designed for anyone who delivers interpretive presentations to the public at sites such as parks, museums, zoos, interpretive centers, and nature centers. It combines both the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical skills 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 include completion of a program outline and a ten minute presentation

·        All materials including CIG workbook included

 Why Certify?

Since 1998 when our program began, NAI has been fortunate enough to facilitate the certification of over 30,000 interpreters across the globe. Long ago we identified several benefits to both you and to the profession:

Benefits to You:

• Builds credibility

• Encourages lifelong learning

• Increases promotion potential

• Sense of pride in achievement

• Increases performance effectiveness

• Benefits to the Profession:

• Encourage high performance standards

• Encourage professional behavior

• Support peer-reviewed research

• Continuous improvement of profession

• Peer review of certified professionals

What are the benefits of being a CIG?

• Certification helps you cultivate and build a professional self-image.

• Learning presentation skills will increase your confidence in working with the public.

• The opportunity to network and build community with others in your field.

• Certification makes you more competitive and may improve your chances of being hired or getting a promotion. Many agencies are listing as a preferred qualification the CIG certification.

  What are the Outcomes of the CIG course?

You will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:

The history of the interpretive profession.

The basic principles of interpretation.

Creating a program outline and presenting a thematic interpretive presentation with the following elements:

- audience

- goal(s)

- measurable objective(s)

- mission

- theme

- introduction

- subthemes

- conclusion

Quotes from previous CIG Workshop participants:

“Thank you so so much James Little. He is an amazing interpreter and mentor. I am amazed at how well he did everything. I don't say this a lot but honestly truly inspiring.”

James Little is one of the best instructors I have had in my professional career.

“This course really helped me understand what interpretation is, why it is important, and how to use it in my daily work.”

“Excellent training for NPS Rangers.”

"James is an amazing instructor, so I'd definitely recommend taking the class with him.”

"It was great, I learned a lot about developing programs and presenting them. I raised my level of confidence significantly."

"Jamie was an incredible instructor and I learned a great deal."

"Jamie is extremely positive and supportive. He was available to answer questions no matter how small and he helped everyone in the class to be successful. "

"Enlightening, meaningful, will make workshops/tours/classes meaningful and create connections for attendees. Jamie was an excellent educator. He was very patient with attendees, encouraging, and removed the fear and worry associated with public speaking. His instruction was personal to each of us, definitely helping to feel heard. Thank you!"

"Thank you for a most enjoyable and educational learning experience! It was an honor to be part of your class!"

About the presenter:

James Little has extensive experience in interpretation. He has led a dozen Certified Interpretive Guide Workshops. He has served as the state-wide coordinator for interpretation in two state park systems and led projects that were recognized with national awards from the National Association for Interpretation. He created the state-wide Junior Ranger program in Idaho State Parks. He has led successful capital campaigns to build award-winning nature centers and helped to create a dozen new parks.