July 20-23, 2026
Instructor: Walt Bailey
About this Course
The nationally recognized Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) program is designed for anyone wanting to learn more about developing and leading interpretive programs. This course will introduce you to the history, definitions, and principles of interpretation. During the course, you will develop a program outline and deliver a 10-minute thematic presentation, all with the support of your instructor(s) and fellow participants. You will learn how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic, and leave ready to facilitate meaningful experiences that inspire engagement with the world around us.
Registration Rates
$600 Regular Registration (includes a one-year complimentary NAI membership)*
$525 with NAI Member Discount
*NAI membership will start a few days after payment.
Course Schedule
Class is a mix of instruction, discussion, student participatory exercises, worktime, and breaks to reduce Zoom fatigue. Students are required to attend all classes at the same time on Zoom,
including the presentations of the other students, to earn the CIG certificate.
- July 20-23 (M-Th), 9:00-5:00 pm ET. Mixed Class Instruction, individual help & in-class work time.
- July 24 (F), 9:00 am-1:00 pm ET. Final presentations.
Platform and Access
You will need a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone, with good Internet access, for the online training. For co-workers taking the course together, please note that you will each need your own computer. We do ask that you remain on camera for the duration of class.
This course uses Zoom and Google Drive. Please be sure you are able to access these online tools and update your copy of Zoom before the start of the class.
Instructor Information
Walt is a veteran interpreter and interpretive trainer with a 27-year career in state and national parks, museums, and historic sites. He’s been an NAI Certified Interpretive Trainer since 2005, teaching many classes and leading award-winning interpreters of both natural and cultural history.
His interests include interpretive planning and media, living history interpretation, dialogic interpretation, graphic design for interpretation, and interpreting natural and cultural history together.
“Walt was an extremely kind and enthusiastic instructor and inviting really interesting discussion. I also felt like I learned a lot about what it means to be an interpretive guide and feel confident in presenting a program from the skills that I have gained.” 2024 CIG Student
Contact Information
Before the course, you will receive information from your instructor regarding how the course will operate and your scheduled meeting times. For more information about the course, contact Walt Bailey at [email protected] or call (713) 825-9131.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Courses may be canceled due to low enrollment. If this course is canceled, NAI will contact you, and you will receive a full refund.
Cancellations requested before July 13, 2026, will incur a $75 cancellation fee; no refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel your registration, the request must be emailed to [email protected].