interpretivetraining.com

Join Monique Thompson of Raindrop Naturalist – May 11-13, 2026

Let’s shape the future of interpretation—together.

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Move beyond information delivery into purpose-driven interpretation that inspires people to care for and care about a place, story, or species—building understanding, responsibility, and stewardship..

What This Course Offers

The Heritage Interpretive Guide (HIG) Certificate Course is a 20-hour, research-based program grounded in the work of Freeman Tilden, Dr. Sam Ham, and other leaders in interpretation. Along the way, you’ll receive personal coaching and expert feedback as you design, refine, and deliver your interpretive experience plan. 

       You’ll also learn how AI can support creativity and streamline your work while keeping interpretation deeply human.

Who Should Attend

Tour guides • Interpreters • Rangers • Educators • Naturalists • Historians
 Docents • Animal care staff • Volunteers • Museum, park, zoo, and aquarium professionals

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Course Format (20 Hours)

4 hours – Self-paced learning

Guided Workbook

Reflection and Discussion Prompts

Knowledge Checks

16 hours – Live on Zoom (3 days)

• Days 1–2: 6 hours/day of instruction, discussion, coaching, and applied practice
  
• Day 3: 4 hours delivering and refining a 10-minute live interpretive program

Course Details

📅 May 11-13, 2026
 ⏰ May 11,12 | 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. MT
 ⏰ May 13 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MT
  💻 Live via Zoom

Special Terms & Cancellations (HIG Certificate Course) 

Courses may be canceled due to low enrollment. If this course is canceled, you may transfer to another HIG course or receive a full refund. Cancellations made more than 7 days before the course start date are eligible for a refund or course transfer. Cancellations made within 7 days of the course start date are not eligible for a refund but may be transferred one time only to a future course, subject to availability. After this one-time transfer, the registration becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. All cancellation or transfer requests must be submitted in writing via email. 

Questions?  Contact Monique at raindropranch@gmail.com

Your Trainer

Monique Thompson, NAI-Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer and founder of Raindrop Naturalist, has taught over 400 interpreters across museums, parks, zoos, aquariums, and heritage sites nationwide and internationally. Her work blends research-based frameworks, values-based communication, and awe-centered design to help interpreters find their voice and foster empathy, stewardship, and belonging.

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Testimonials:  

She really embodies the qualities she teaches and asks students to grow in, her style is very calming and encouraging, and even the online format was paced sustainably with awareness of bio breaks and screen hygiene.

As an interpreter, this truly strengthened my skills to have a framework in mind when I am approaching my programming at work. It feels so much more intentional and like an art form. With art, it’s all about practice and trying new things and this class definitely put in the zone to do so!

Monique Thompson has such wonderful energy and she is so kind! She made this course so engaging and easy to get through. I didn’t even realize the long hours I was on my computer because she cultivates such a welcoming and fun environment for participants. I highly recommend taking this course with her and I would take it again with her if I got the chance!

Monique was an excellent and encouraging instructor, and she took so much care to make everyone feel involved, comfortable, brave, and empowered. I loved the focus on forming and maintaining connections in the interpretive community, and the course flow was very well executed. I look forward to continuing my interpretive journey with NAI, other resources, and hopefully Monique as an instructor or colleague some time down the road.