Yellowstone Forever, 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.

Date: October 9-13, 2023
Location: Yellowstone Forever Headquarters, 308 W Park St Gardiner, MT 59030
Instructors: Amanda Evans and Amanda Hagerty
Registration Cost: $230 (The certificate is an additional $165)

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 lasts four years and comes with a complimentary one-year membership. If you are already a member of NAI we will extend your membership an additional year.

The CIG Program
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certificate 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 purchase webinars 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
National Park access during class hours is included in the course. If interested in lodging, please contact the Yellowstone Forever Institute at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 (ext. 3) to stay at our Overlook Field Campus in Gardiner, MT.

For more information about the course, please contact Amanda Evans at [email protected] or call (714) 466-0883.

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 September 24, 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 [email protected].