Auxiliary Historical Interpreter (Tour Guide) Description

U.S.C.G. Light Station Boston, Little Brewster Island

14 February 2008

Colleen Kloster - Chair Sally Snowman

Boston Light Augmentation Program U.S.Coast Guard Civilian Keeper of Boston Light

Phone: 617-568-9908 Cell: 617-833-0603

Email: vonfyhren@att.net Email: s.snowmanph.d@att.net

Overview

Historical Interpreters (tour guides) are Auxiliarists who have chosen to participate in the Boston Light Augmentation Program by offering to assist the National Park Service (NPS) Rangers in providing tours at Little Brewster Island. The Friends of Boston Harbor Islands (FBHI) also provide volunteers for this program.

Objective for Training Auxiliary Interpreters

To establish a cadre of trained volunteers to augment the Boston Harbor National Park Area’s effort in providing quality programs and an enjoyable experiences for tourists visiting Little Brewster Island.

Requisites to be an Auxiliary Interpreter

- be a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in good standing

- willingness to invest in the specified uniform for Interpreter duty (ODU)

- available for 2 trainings in May/June: (1) mainland/classroom and (2) “on-island” orientation

- available for a minimum of 3-Interpreter days per season (usually mid-June – beginning of Oct) Thurs-Sun)

- willingness to be mentored

- willingness to be transported to Boston Light via NPS chartered vessel from Boston or an Auxiliary vessel from Hull

- committed to developing appropriate/effective interpersonal skills for interacting with the diverse population that visit the island and interacting with other Interpreters (Rangers, Auxiliary, Friends of Boston Harbor Island), Keeper, Assistant Keepers, and active duty Coast Guard personnel

- willingness to stay for the entire day on the island (i.e., arriving at the NPS tour boat from Boston usually at 0930 and arriving back in Boston sometimes as late as 1730; or coming out from Hull at 0915 and returning to Hull by 1730.

- committed to acquiring working knowledge as to where to find the information in the Boston Light Interpreter Training Guide regarding tasks on the Interpreter Qualification Check-sheet

- willingness to develop a minimum of one lesson or activity and to share this information with visitors while on Interpreter Duty

- willingness to submit mission hour reports (AUXDATA) to support the efforts of this program

Auxiliary Interpreter Qualifying Process

1. Attending an “ashore” 4-hour training consisting of historical significance, contents of the Interpreter Guide, relationship with the National Park Service (NPS), Island Alliance (IA), and the Friends of Boston Harbor Islands (FBHI) and developing a lesson plan with an activity

2. Attending an “on-island” orientation to become familiar with the island. (Note: The “Orientation” does not count toward the 3-day obligation of Interpreter Duty.)

3. Completing the “Interpreter Qualification Checklist” with an assigned Mentor

4. “Shadowing” a seasoned Interpreter during the first scheduled Interpreter Duty

5. Performing two more Interpreter Duties for a total three days for the a season

Maintaining Interpreter Qualification

1. Performing a minimum of three (3) Interpreter days per year

2. Attending the annual Update held in the spring for the purpose of briefing Interpreters for the season, to distribute current year’s schedule and procedures, and to provide the opportunity to sign-up for three duty dates.