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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 twentieth 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 1 – 5, 2008? Click here to be added to our mailing list. We will inform you when registration has begun.

  • New! 2008 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 Generosity: Receiving and Giving from Abundance.

    We will examine the nature of giving and receiving with fun and fascinating exercises and discussions. We will look at our own personal process of what we receive and how; about what we give naturally, both consciously and unconsciously. What are you most excited and inspired to give? To receive? What do you give naturally just by being effortlessly who you are? How do you receive what is given to you by others?

    We can only give authentically from what we have in abundance—what actually feels abundant to us, whether that is love, art, parenting, money or management skills. What is the natural abundance in your life? Is that feeling of abundance related to receiving? How does having money play into that? How much of what you give is aligned with the deepest truth about who you are and what gives you joy?

    When we say “generosity” we are not talking about any “shoulds” about what you do with your money. You will have a chance to gently inquire into your thoughts, beliefs and conversations around what you give and receive.

    You will have the chance to come away from the Summer Institute with profound insight into yourself.

    Join us for this fun, thought-provoking and entertaining program and discover the wealth of who you are.

    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 Rock Springs Guest Ranch, a traditional dude ranch in Bend, Oregon.

    Summer Institute participants will feel peaceful and protected at Rock Springs Guest Ranch, which is surrounded by mountains to the west, valley and ponderosas to the east, and pond and forest views. Summer Institute will have the entire ranch for its own exclusive use, guaranteeing a distraction-free experience for all attendees. This new location for Summer Institute includes horseback riding, high and low challenge courses, fishing, tennis, hot tub, volleyball, horseshoes, billiards, hiking and jogging trails, ping pong and indoor games — all of which you can enjoy when not in session. Your meals at Rock Springs Guest Ranch may be a highlight of your Summer Institute experience — the Ranch offers the finest in Northwest cuisine, featuring only the freshest products carefully prepared by Chef Steven Hazell.

    The Redmond/Bend airport (RDM) is only a quick 20 minutes away and currently has regular flights from Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake, and Portland. Visit the Rock Springs Guest Ranch website at www.rocksprings.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 August 1
    $2,700 after August 1

    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 August 1
    $2,500 after August 1

    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 Rock Springs.