Program Overview: Yosemite Conservancy— in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation and Yosemite Hospitality — 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 the CIG certificate ($285).
- Option two: take the course and add the Certified Interpretive Guide certificate along with a year-long NAI membership ($600).
- If you have an NAI membership, you will receive a discounted course rate ($525).
What is the CIG certificate?
The Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certificate lasts for a lifetime and comes with a complimentary one-year membership to the National Association of Interpretation (NAI). If you are already a member of NAI, we will add your complimentary membership to the end of your current membership.
The nationally recognized 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 for delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.
This 32-hour course includes:
- Lessons on the history, definition, and principles of interpretation.
- Techniques on how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
- Explanations on how to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts.
There are two requirements to obtain a CIG Certificate: submit a program outline and present a 10-minute interpretive talk.
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates: Monday, May 5 through Thursday, May 8, from 9 am–5 pm each day.
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s included: Four full days of guided instruction by three Yosemite Naturalists and Certified Interpretive Trainers; park entry (as needed); one free day to enjoy the park on your own (Friday, May 9); and shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Camping dates: Participants can arrive on May 4 after 12 pm and must depart on May 10 by 11 am. There are two shared campsites among all the participants. We guarantee tent camping only. If you choose to bring a recreational vehicle, we cannot guarantee you will have a parking spot. Please be prepared to tent camp. A picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit are provided at each site. Campsites fit six people per site.
- Campground Location: Upper Pines in Yosemite Valley
- Lodging: Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Details on using our Group Code to book lodging will be emailed to you immediately after you register.
- Experience level: All levels welcome.
What’s not included:
- Gear or meals during your program.
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites.
- Transportation.
