Dear Master Interpreter – Summer 2026
Your questions answered!
Dear Master Interpreter,
What are some of the training opportunities available to me outside of State Parks? I’m paying off student loans, and I don’t have a lot of resources to devote to this. Any suggestions will be welcome! Thanks!
—Eager to Learn
Dear Eager:
For parks staff (both seasonal and full-time), there are courses offered through FOCUS from Indiana University’s Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands: Foundations of Interpretation, and Fundamentals of Interpretation.
Both courses are online and available at any time. The Foundations of Interpretation course is FREE and self-paced, though it shows a duration of 365 days. Fundamentals of Interpretation costs $410.00 per person and is self-paced. To find out more, you may visit their website Foundations of Interpretation – Interpretation of Natural and Heritage Resources.
Other options include the courses offered for “Certified Interpretive Guide” and “Certified Interpretive Trainer” programs using the HEART approach. HEART is an acronym for Holistic, Engaging, Appropriate, Rewarding and Thematic. The courses are intended to be affordable at $199.00, and instruction takes place over Zoom. Current Heritage Interpretive Guide Courses Available – interpretivetraining.com
The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) conference will meet in Oakland, CA this year, November 10-13. This annual conference presents multiple opportunities for training, both virtual and in-person. In the FOCUS course catalog, you’ll find registration information. Volunteering for the conference is one way to attend without breaking your budget. Member conference registration runs from July 1 to July 8; open registration is July 9 through October 23. Ask your supervisor whether there may be support through your district to attend the conference.
—Master Interpreter
Dear Master Interpreter,
I’m so excited to get started as a new hire for state parks! I need information on where to go to purchase a uniform. Should I go online, or are they carried in stores? Any help you can give on requirements and sources would help.
—Let’s Be Official
Dear Let’s Be:
Congratulations on joining state parks! Luckily, one of your well-informed (and uniformed) colleagues, Callista Turner, of the Great Basin District, recently took up this very topic and shared information on Teams. Since not everyone has access to a Teams account, I’ll borrow Callista’s information for use here (thank you, Callista!) with a few additions. Remember to search for items with the same product codes detailed in the latest uniform manual.
- Ace Uniforms: nearly complete uniform selection with DPR-branded items
- Blauer: jackets (Class B & C), pants (Class C)
- Curtis Blue Line: select unbranded items
- Filson: jacket (Class B), vest (significant pro discounts available with proof of DPR employment)
- First Tactical: jackets (Class B & C), shirt (Class B), pants (Class B), polo, shorts
- 5.11 Tactical: jackets (Class B & C), shirt (Class A), polo, pants (Class C), shorts
- Flying Cross (Fechheimer): jacket (Class A), shirts (Class A & B), pants (Class A & B)
- Galls: select unbranded items
- LA Police Gear: select unbranded items
- Madera Uniform: nearly complete uniform selection with DPR-branded items
- M&M Sportswear: select DPR-branded items
- Santa Rosa Uniform & Career Apparel: select DPR-branded items
- Spiewak: jacket (Class B)
- Stratton Hats: unbranded “Stetson” hats (Felt and Straw)
Here also are the links to the most recently approved Uniform Handbooks for guides, interpreters, and seasonal staff.
Wear in good health!
—Master Interpreter
Send your questions for the Master Interpreter to interpretation.staff@parks.ca.gov