Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Training Course - Lodging and Meals

Ozark Natural Science Center, 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.  

STEP 1: Register for the course here: NAI Website, course code GI090523

STEP 2: Register for overnight accommodations and meals, provided by ONSC (see ticket options below). 

Master Naturalists: use this code as you check out for your 25% discount: NWAMN-CIG

COURSE DETAILS:

The course combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality, engaging, interpretive programming to visitors. This 32-hour course includes:

1. History, definition, and principles of interpretation
2. Incorporating tangibles and intangibles to make your programs meaningful and memorable
3. Presentation and communication skills
4. The ability to write measurable outcomes
5. Understanding and using learning styles for maximize impact
6. Tools for talking that engage your audience and maximize attention and memory
7. A variety of individual and group activities
8. Completion of all certification requirements
9. All materials including your CIG workbook, pen and tablet, and light snacks, are provided

Option one: take the course without obtaining certification, $235.   

Option two: take the course and add certification and be recognized as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee of $165 for certification, and that includes one-year professional membership in NAI. The CIG lasts four years and can be easily renewed. If you are already a member of NAI, we will add your complimentary membership onto the end of your current membership.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Monday 9/4

4 - 5:30PM: Check-in

5:30 - 6:30PM: Dinner

optional campfire at Lewis Pavilion

Tuesday 9/5

7:30AM: Breakfast

8AM: Registration

8:30AM: CIG course begins

12PM: Lunch

1PM: CIG course 

5:30PM: Dinner

Wednesday 9/6

7:30AM: Breakfast

8:30AM: CIG course 

12PM: Lunch

1PM: CIG course 

5:30PM: Dinner

Thursday 9/7

7:30AM: Breakfast

8:30AM: CIG course 

12PM: Lunch

1PM: CIG course 

5:30PM: Dinner

Friday 9/8 

7:30AM: Breakfast

8:30AM: CIG course

12PM: Lunch

1PM: CIG course

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK:

• This exceeded my expectations.

• Showed me there was so much more to the field of interpretation than I ever thought.

• I feel extremely fortunate that he was my instructor. His passion for interpretation is 2nd to none, and his teaching of the material was clear and entertaining.

• Knowledgeable, warm, engaging.

• I enjoyed learning a different way to present information to people.

• It was a very interesting workshop!

• Well worth my time – All of the participants worked hard to work and support one another – that starts at the top.

• It was very valuable. I learned more about my profession that I would have imagined.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Jay Miller, M.S., Certified Interpretive Trainer, Certified Interpretive Planner: Jay  worked with Arkansas State Parks for 37 years, first as a state park planner and state trails coordinator, and for 30 years as head of the Program Services Division. As head of Program Services, he was responsible for interpretation, publications, exhibits, training, and direction for interpretation, education, and exhibits within Arkansas’s 52 state parks, historic sites, and museums. The Arkansas State Park interpretation/education program received numerous national and regional awards for excellence in exhibits, publications, and interpretation including “Excellence in Interpretive Support” from the National Association for Interpretation. Jay was honored to be named the Distinguished Professional Interpreter from NAIs Region 6, NAI’s national Master Interpretive Manager, and to receive the NAI Region 6 Fellow/Life Achievement Award.

Jay taught Interpretation of Historic Sites in the public history program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and for 9 years taught courses in interpretation at Arkansas Tech University. He is a frequent trainer and speaker at regional and national conferences. He has been a consultant to the Madagascar National Park Service where he developed an interpretive training program for Malagasy park service staff. In Bolivia he developed the interpretation plan for the Flor de Oro Ecolodge complex in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. He was part of a five country interpretive team to South Korea, and for several years enjoyed traveling America’s rivers as naturalist on the historic Delta Queensteamboat.

Jay holds a Master of Science in Forest Recreation Management with an emphasis in interpretation from Utah State University and is a Certified Public Manager, a Certified Interpretive Planner, and a Certified Interpretive Trainer. He has served on the NAI Board of Directors and currently is NAI President.