INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Fourteen students who attended a recent workshop at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) have been certified as Certified Interpretive Guides (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation. Other ELC volunteers also attended the workshop to improve their skills without being certified.
The 32 hour workshop that they completed is designed to help volunteers and guides at Nature Centers, Zoos, Aquariums, Parks and Historic sites hone their interpretive skills to help them design and deliver effective programs, hikes, and other presentations.
Among the topics presented at the workshop were the history, definition, and principles of interpretation; strategies for making programs purposeful, enjoyable, organized, and thematic; techniques to make programs meaningful; and improving presentation and communication skills. Attendees wishing to be certified needed to attend all 32 hours of the workshop, score better than 80 percent on an open book exam, make a program outline, and deliver a 10-minute oral presentation.
The workshop was conducted by three instructors, Sarah Rhodes-Ondi, a naturalist at the ELC; Katrina Morrell, a Multi-Modal Communication Specialist with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization; and Kathy Gross, a National Park Service Ranger. All are Certified Interpretive Guides and Certified Interpretive Trainers. In addition, Morrell is a Certified Interpretive Planner.
Rhodes-Ondi said, “The National Association for Interpretation certification program is a top tier professional development organization raising the standard of interpreter’s performance around the globe. The Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop is an excellent hands-on introduction to best practices in interpretation.”
The ELC is planning to offer future workshops. Interested people may contact Sarah at Sarah@DiscoverELC.org to get more information and be included on a list to be informed when workshops are scheduled.
The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and visitor center. ELC membership benefits, a list of its many field excursions, Eco-ventures, including nature walks, canoe excursions, and boating adventures can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org. Admission is $5 per person, children 12 and under are free. ELC Members receive free admission year-round. The first Saturday of every month is free to all.