August 26 - September 16, 2026
North Mountain Visitor Center, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department
12950 North 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Instructors: Rebecca Barry, Jacque Vallejo, and Archer Shelton
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.
Course Information
Join the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department for the CIG course! Classes will be held 8-5 on four consecutive Wednesdays: August 26 and September 2, 9, and 16. Materials will be provided.
Class is a mix of instruction, discussion, live exercises, worktime, and breaks. Students must attend all classes, including the presentations of the other students, to qualify for the certificate. In order to complete all course requirements, additional time outside of class instruction will likely be necessary. Please note that the last day often runs a bit over. Please allow some flexibility on that day.
Registration Rates
If you are a City of Phoenix ranger, contact an instructor to receive a promo code and select the in-house registration.
$600 Regular Registration (includes a one-year complimentary NAI membership)*
$525 with NAI Member Discount
*NAI membership will start a few days after payment.
Instructor Information
Rebecca Barry (CIGT, CIG, PhD)
Rebecca is an associate teaching professor in parks and recreation at Arizona State University and a
docent and interpretive trainer at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
Jacque Vallejos (CIGT, CIG)
Jacque is an interpretive ranger with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation.
Archer Shelton (CIGT, CIG)
Archer has many years of experience as a head docent trainer at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Contact Information
Before the course starts, you will receive more details such as directions and lunch options. Registrants for the course should monitor their email beginning one month before the workshop. Registrants who have not received any communication from the instructor by that point should check their spam folders and/or contact the instructor. Providing a contact phone number at the time of registration is highly recommended.
For more information, contact Rebecca Barry at [email protected] or call/text (480) 353-7200.
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 August 17, 2026, will be subject to a $75 cancellation fee; no refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel your registration, it must be emailed to [email protected].