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Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course

August 28, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

$235 – $385

Become a Certified Interpretive Guide!

REGISTER HERE

REGISTRATION DUE BY July 15

Dates: Mondays and Thursdays, August 28 – September 18 (no class Monday 9/4, Labor Day)
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center

Calling all interpretive program educators, present, and future! If you work, or plan to work, in museums, environmental education, field-based settings, or any educational capacity with the public, we have a fabulous  opportunity for you. Learn to create, conduct, and evaluate interpretive presentations and programs, and gain the tools to make your programs shine.

The Montana Natural History Center in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation  (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. Through classroom and field sessions you will learn the fundamentals of program development, delivery, and excellence in interpretation. Explore topics through immersion in museums and outdoor learning spaces. Special guests will provide insight on the career of a naturalist guide, how to create exhibits and signs, interpreting difficult historical stories and more! We will visit Traveler’s Rest State Park, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Milltown State Park and more. Travel will be by MNHC bus.

Course Options

Option one: $235 enrollment fee. Take the course without obtaining certification. Contact Christine Morris, at cmorris [at] montananaturalist [dot] org. for a student rate code.                                                          Option two: take the course and add the certificate as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee for the certificate ($165). 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.

If you are UM student you can sign up for course credit: HSTR 491: Historical Interpretation

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 2 requirements needed to obtain a CIG (program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation)

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 weeks of registration and will allow you to make NAI purchases 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 set up. 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.

Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact Christine Morris at cmorris [at] montananaturalist [dot] org or call (406) 327-0405.

Special Terms and Cancellations

Participants are allowed to transfer one time at no charge. Cancellation and transfer requests cannot be made by phone and must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by August 13, 2023. Cancellations processed before the cancellation deadline will be subject to a $60 cancellation fee (if fees paid are less than $60, no refund will be processed). Cancellations made after this date will not receive a refund. Emailed cancellations and transfers should be sent to certification@interpnet.com.

 

Instructor Christine Morris is a naturalist and Community Programs Coordinator with the Montana Natural History Center. She teaches the Master Naturalist Course as well as a variety of pre-K through adult programs. Christine has 15 years of experience in environmental education and interpretation including positions as a park ranger in the Department of Interpretation at Rocky Mountain National Park and Environmental Education Director for Boys and Girls Clubs of King County, Seattle.

 

 

 

**If you are a full-time student you are eligible for a discount. Please call 406.327.0405 to get the promo code to use when registering.**

REGISTER HERE

REGISTRATION DUE BY July 15

Registration Instructions: How to Register for a CIG or CIH Course.

 

Details

Date:
August 28, 2023
Time:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost:
$235 – $385
Event Categories:
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Website:
montananaturalist.org