Roaring Fork Conservancy offers Interpretive Trainings to groups throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. These trainings can vary from a full-day introduction to a four-day course with certification through the National Association for Interpretation. These trainings are ideal for tour guides, raft guides, rangers, cultural history interpreters, naturalists, docents, educators, grant-writers, and office staff that interact with the public.
Trainings can include any or all of the following:
- History, definition, and principles of interpretation
- Presentation and communication skills
- Creating programs that are purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
- Incorporating tangible objects and intangible ideas into your programs
Tim O’Keefe, CIG, CIT
Tim is a National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Trainer and Education Director for Roaring Fork Conservancy (www.roaringfork.org). Roaring Fork Conservancy is a non-profit watershed conservation organization located in central Colorado. Since 2001, he has directed Roaring Fork Conservancy's Education Program, which includes school programs, educational field trips, interpretive programs, website, publications, and the River Guide School. In 2008, Tim took on the responsibility of managing the River Center planning and design. Prior to joining Roaring Fork Conservancy, Tim taught environmental education in Aspen, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and the seacoast of New Hampshire.
For more information and scheduling contact Tim O'Keefe at (970) 927-1290.
Certified Interpretive Guide Training
June 5-8, 2012
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Location TBD
Aspen, Colorado
The National Association for Interpretation (NAI), in partnership with Tim O’Keefe of Roaring Fork Conservancy and the Aspen Historical Society, is offering a professional certification workshop for individuals interested in enhancing their interpretive skills, knowledge and ability to deliver quality programming to a variety of audiences.
The CIG Program
The Certified Interpretive Guide program is designed for anyone who delivers interpretive programs to the public. 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
Presentation and communication skills
Creating programs that are purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
Incorporating tangible objects and intangible ideas into your programs
Course materials including CIG course workbook
Coffee breaks and snacks daily
NAI Certification requirements:
Open-book exam
Program outline
10-minute presentation
Course Requirements: Anyone age 16 or over with a desire to increase their knowledge and skills related to interpretation may participate. Membership in NAI is not required, but NAI members pay a discounted fee to participate in the program. (See Costs below for details). Class size will be limited to 12 participants.
Instructor:
Tim O’Keefe, CIG, CIT Tim is a National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Trainer and Education Director for Roaring Fork Conservancy (www.roaringfork.org). Roaring Fork Conservancy is a non-profit watershed conservation organization located in central Colorado. Since 2001, he has directed Roaring Fork Conservancy's Education Program, which includes school programs, educational field trips, interpretive programs, website, publications, and the River Guide School. Tim is also project manager for RFC's future River Center interpretive facility. Prior to joining Roaring Fork Conservancy, Tim taught environmental education in Aspen, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and the seacoast of New Hampshire.
The Workshop Setting:
All sessions will take place in at at TBD location in Aspen, Colorado. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. daily.
Food:
Participants may bring their own sack lunch or eat lunch at one of the several nearby restaurants. Light refreshments served on reusable dinner ware will be provided during breaks. We ask that you bring your own water bottle and coffee cup for use during the course.
Travel and Lodging:
For information about the local lodging contact Aspen Chamber of Commerce (www.aspenchamber.com). The closest airports are in Aspen-ASE (4 miles), Eagle-EGE (73 miles), and Grand Junction-GJT (126 miles). Directions upon request. Shuttle service (www.ridecme.com ) is available from all airports. Within the valley, public transportation (www.rfta.com) is available and encouraged.
Costs:
Mandatory Class Fee (includes workbook): $242
Optional NAI Membership Fee: $50
Optional Certification Fee – NAI members: $80 (it is a better deal to join NAI)
Optional Certification Fee – non-members: $135
Certification Library
Two sets of the texts, necessary for completion of the open-book exam, will be provided for student use during the workshop; however, those who wish to purchase their own texts, NAI offers a discounted package price of $84 for NAI members, $102 for NAI non-members (plus $13 shipping). Call NAI at (888-900-8283) to order the “Certification Library” shipped directly to you OR order through us and we’ll have the books available for you upon your arrival at the workshop. Order form included in registration form.
The texts used are: The Gifts of Interpretation: Fifteen Guiding Principles for Interpreting Nature and Culture, by Larry Beck and Ted Cable; Sharing Nature with Children, by Joseph Cornell; Interpreting for Park Visitors, by William J. Lewis; Interpreting Our Heritage, 3rd Ed., by Freeman Tilden; and Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources, by Douglas M. Knudson, Ted T. Cable and Larry Beck.
Registration and payment must be received by May 29, 2012. To register and for information about the workshop, contact Tim O’Keefe at tim@roaringfork.org or call 970.927.1290.
We look forward to treating you to a unique experience in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado!
