Bringing together over 200 North American Jewish professionals, the 3-day 2016 Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) National Conference opens today at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. Now in its 7th year, SLBC’s innovative and soulful approach has attracted more than 2,000 clergy, musicians and lay leaders who want to develop their leadership skills and truly impact their home communities.

According to Rabbi Sharon Brous of LA’s IKAR, “SLBC is an incredibly energizing and inspiring and really soulful space where people can search within their own hearts to figure out what kind of leaders they are and what kind of leaders they can actually be in the world. It is pretty extraordinary! The level of inspiration is so high.”

Launched in 2009 by Rick Recht, SLBC National Conference convenes an interdenominational community of rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, family engagement specialists, Jewish camping staff and veteran and new song leaders. SLBC teaches participants new ways to create interactive connections, expand their leadership abilities and learn skills and techniques to inspire change. Songleader Boot Camp has partnered with many national Jewish organizations, including PJ Library, JCCA Camps, Ramah Camping Movement and the Cantor’s Assembly. This year’s SLBC will feature the PJ Library Track for more than 36 family engagement professionals who were selected through a highly competitive application process. SLBC also features specialty tracks for clergy, educators, songleaders and alumni.