Say the names Muir, Tilden, Mills, Lewis, Cable and Beck to a least one group of people in the parks division their heads will fill with fond memories of long days in the classroom followed by evenings preparing a program to present to their peers.

To date, more than 30 (former and current) state parks employees have completed the Certified Interpretive Guide program offered through the National Association for Interpretation. Jake McCoy (First Peoples Buffalo Jump) Amy Grout (Lone Pine) and Michael Kustudia (Milltown) are the newest CIGs.

This program is designed to introduce front line staff to interpretive principles and give them the tools to effectively apply a variety of interpretive techniques. To be certified, participants must complete a 32-hour course, pass a written exam scoring 80% or better and present a 10-minute evaluated program scoring 80% or better. For state park employees, providing visitor information is a part of everyone's job. Interpretation, however, moves the conversation with visitors to the next level.

Good interpretation is more than simply relaying facts and information. It is a process that engages a visitor's senses, makes connections to ideas and concepts familiar to them and ties those concepts back to the resources being interpreted. It also provides balanced information for looking at issues from a number of levels and perspectives, which may inspire and provoke people to broaden their horizons.

The CIG course includes information related to human behavior, communication theory, learning styles, and research methods. After completing the course staff members are prepared to develop programs that are based on a thematic, focused foundation. Programs will tend to be more enjoyable for visitors because the information is presented in an organized way that is understandable and that they can relate to on a personal level.

Good interpretation takes time to prepare, but can really pay off when done well. Interpretation that supports the management objectives of the park can help develop a good following of supporters and people interested in caring for the parks resources.