July 7-13, 2026
Instructor: Kristin Robinson
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, live exercises, worktime, and breaks to mitigate Zoom fatigue. Students must attend all classes synchronously on Zoom, including the presentations of the other students, to qualify for the certificate.
- July 7-10 (T-F): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time: Instruction, work time, breaks, and coaching.
- July 13 (Monday): 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time: Presentations & Next Steps
Platform and Access
Each participant must have access to a computer or laptop with a working camera, microphone, and a reliable high-speed internet connection. While smartphones or tablets may be used, students have mentioned that they complicate the online experience.
If multiple colleagues are attending the training together, each person needs their own device and a space where they can fully participate in group discussions and join different breakout sessions.
To foster the best learning environment, all participants must keep their cameras on during the course and are expected to attend all classes, including the presentations of colleagues on the final day.
This course uses Zoom, Menti, Padlet, and Google Drive. Please be sure you can access all online tools and update your Zoom client before the start of class.
Instructor Information
Kristin has been designing programs and training interpreters around the globe for 25 years, working with interpretive sites, tour operators, and guide organizations. She is an NAI Lead Trainer, a member of the Advisory Board for the International Association of Tour Directors and Guides, and is the founder of Stage Naked LLC, which includes www.stagenaked.com and theimpactstory.com.
Kristin is engaging and excited about sharing her work with participants. Her communication style is open, often modeling key elements of storytelling that are woven into her approach. Each person is challenged and championed to expand our boundaries. The course was scaffolded wonderfully, blending reading, reflection, discussion, and a final presentation. I left the course confident that I could apply what I learned to interpretation of historic sites and in dialogue with the public.
Tricia Patrick - CIG Graduate
Irani Foundation Director of Education
Ford’s Theatre | Where Lincoln’s Legacy Lives
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 Kristin Robinson at [email protected] or call (203) 628-4641.
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 June 30, 2026, will be subject to 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].