summer institute
The Summer Institute provides an annual forum and an ongoing community for addressing the challenges and opportunities of wealth in a confidential setting. Protection from outside solicitation is paramount to our purposes.

The Summer Institute has been described as a seminar, a retreat, a network in action, a growth experience and a reunion of friends. It is a unique and powerful experience for everyone who attends.

It is our vision to "provide a safe and broad-minded community for people who have inherited wealth to share their individual experiences while growing and learning from others in an atmosphere of fun and friendship, respect and discovery."

Now in its twenty-first consecutive year, the Summer Institute was established as an annual program to address the personal and interpersonal issues that accompany substantial inherited wealth.

Are you interested in joining us October 7-11, 2009? Click here to be added to our mailing list. We will inform you when registration has begun.

  • New! 2009 Program Theme Announced!
  • Who runs the Summer Institute?
  • Who attends the Summer Institute?
  • Should I attend the Summer Institute?
  • Where is the Summer Institute held?
  • How much does it cost to participate?
  • Do you have a question that is not addressed here? Please contact us info@summer-institute.org or 877-711-TSFR (8737)

    What is the curriculum of The Summer Institute?
    This year's program theme is Financial Freedom and Responsibility.
    As inheritors of wealth, we receive both freedoms and responsibilities. Together we will explore the breadth of our beliefs and experiences with a goal of finding greater freedom, and joyful ways to meet our responsibilities. We will engage in fun and fascinating exercises and discussions to explore:

    • What would financial freedom mean to you? What would it look like, how would you know you have it?
    • Is there a price for exercising your freedom?
    • What are the responsibilities you assume as a result of the wealth? Where do those messages come from?
    • How much do you need to be free? How much is enough to be able to forgo trading your time for a paycheck?
    • What is your responsibility to your family? To the community? To your heirs? To yourself?
    • How do other people’s assumptions about your freedom (and responsibilities) affect you?
    • What are the messages you received? What messages do you want to give your children?
    • How have the recent changes in the economy affected you? Are you more or less free? More or less responsible?
    • How do you have fun?

    You will have the opportunity to inquire into your thoughts and beliefs about financial freedom, financial responsibility, and family responsibility. Join us for this fun, thought-provoking and entertaining program and discover greater freedom, as well as new friends and new ideas.

    Who runs the Summer Institute?
    One of the unique features of the Institute is that the program is facilitated by Institute Alumni. The "faculty" is made up of men and women who have addressed the challenges and opportunities of wealth and who have committed to share their experience and expertise with others in similar circumstances.

    Who attends the Summer Institute?
    Participants of the Summer Institute are members of families with multi-generational wealth and/or family businesses. The mix of generations adds to the diverse learning and sharing experience. The age span is generally from mid-twenties to mid-fifties, and all participants have a desire to change and grow.

    Some attendees come alone. Others attend with their spouses. Family groups (adults only) are also common. Alumni have returned with their parents, spouses and adult children. In short, all are welcome. However, attendance is limited to 25 participants.

    Read what past participants say about the Summer Institute:
    "The Summer Institute is an incredible learning and growth experience tailored to the needs of families and individuals of wealth. I come back as often as I can to get myself back on a good path in my life. I would recommend it to anyone from a family of wealth."

    "…a unique experience where you can be fully yourself, drop your guard and open yourself up for one of the most transforming experiences ever."

    "I have shared my issues around being an inheritor of wealth and felt so completely heard and understood."

    "An essential tool for survival and growth within a wealthy family."

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    Should I attend the Summer Institute?
    People attend and return to the Summer Institute for many reasons including:

    • To experience a non-judgmental environment in which to share personal growth and let down one's guard among friends.
    • A desire to reset one's internal compass and become redirected and motivated.
    • A chance to find community amongst people who have few positive role models or opportunities for real connection.
    • A transforming experience for anyone who wants their life and their family life to have personal meaning.

    We hope these opportunities resonate with you. Consider joining us if:

    • You are from, or have married someone from, the second, third or later generation of a wealthy family and have enough assets/income to live without working, AND
    • You are facing, or will be faced, with issues of inheritance or inherited responsibility, AND/OR
    • You experience wealth as a significant factor in your family dynamics and personal psychology, AND
    • You are in your mid-20s or older and are willing to change and grow.

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    Where is the Summer Institute held?
    The Summer Institute is hosted at White Stallion Ranch, in Tucson, Arizona.

    White Stallion Ranch is a charming, family-run dude ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Summer Institute participants will enjoy the beauty of White Stallion Ranch’s 3,000 acres of wide-open land at the foot of the ruggedly beautiful Tucson Mountains, adjacent to the Saguaro National Park. The ranch has been the home of the True family since 1965, where the third generation of the family is now growing up. White Stallion Ranch’s goal is to carefully blend the family approach and personal touch of a traditional dude ranch with the service and quality of a fine resort. This new location for Summer Institute features horseback riding, team penning, tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton, pool, fitness center, massage facilities, hot tub, hiking and jogging trails, ping pong and indoor games, and more! — all of which (with the exception of massages) are included as part of your registration fee, and can be enjoyed when not in session.

    The White Stallion Ranch is just 40 minutes from the Tucson International Airport and 90 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Visit the White Stallion Ranch website at www.whitestallion.com for more information.

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    How much does it cost to participate?
    Registration fee includes complete program and materials, accommodations, meals and all gratuities. Travel arrangements are not included.

    $2,500 before July 15
    $2,700 after July 15

    To encourage spouses/partners to come together to explore the impact of money on their relationship, there is a discount for the second member of a couple:

    $2,300 before July 15
    $2,500 after July 15

    Refund Policy
    Participants canceling within 30 days of the start of the Summer Institute will receive full refunds, less $200 and any nonrefundable costs assessed by White Stallion Ranch.

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