Summer 365 Camper of the Week| Zack Held

Color War is gearing up, our spirits are high, our faces are painted… and we have found the most perfect Color War captain to lead us in our journey (chant it with us) ZACK! Our Camper of the Week, Zack, is also our favorite SoulCycle instructor and will be leading the blue and red teams in the GIVE SUM Color War Charity Ride today! He is from Miami, Florida, and now lives in New York City, inspiring riders at various studios across Manhattan and the NY suburbs. He attended a performing arts camp and a traditional summer camp for four years, and definitely learned how to pump up his spirit during his summers cheering, acting, and singing. He first became an instructor because he saw how much fun the SoulCycle riders and instructors had pouring their hearts and souls out during class! It felt just like performing and dancing at camp!

To Zack, being a SoulCycle instructor is like being a camp counselor – getting your group excited for the activity and bringing a hugely positive energy into the group. His riders tell him how much their day has been lightened and how much better they feel after riding with him. At the end of the day, that puts a huge smile on his face. Learning to let go and begin your own journey is something that Zack has brought with him to every class, and it is something he first learned at camp! He is inspirational, funny, super spirited, and the perfect Color War Ride Captain for us!

Read more about Zack’s awesome camp experience:

How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?

I first went to a performing arts camp, and then I went ahead to pursue a career in theatre for a couple years, so it definitely got me prepared for show life.

What are your top three essentials that you packed in your trunk?

Comfortable clothes, sweaters, and adidas slip on sandals.

What are three words to describe your camp experience?

Inspiring, challenging, fun.

Who was someone at camp that you looked up to?

I always looked up to the professionals who ran the incredible art programs and all the shows. I wanted to be in there position one day.

Why do you think it is important to go to camp?

Camp is something that everyone should experience. It’s a chance to meet amazing people that you will be friends with forever. There is a sense of freedom, and also it’s great to just get outdoors and get some sunshine instead of spending a summer cooped up inside.

What is your favorite camp memory?

I did a production of a musical called She Loves Me at camp and there was this line in the show that I said “LOOK! AUTUMN!” and it was said around camp pretty much by everyone. We also had some great sayings between my friends and I that were used on a daily basis like “pretty much” and “on a scale from one to there, I’m pretty much there.” Every time I see my camp friends those are the first words usually spoken out of our mouths.

How has camp affected your adult life? Is there something you learned there that you still do today?

I learned to really cherish the memories in life, because they will follow you until the end.

Words of wisdom for current and future campers?

Have fun and let loose and be free.

What is your favorite camp tradition

There was one night, usually the last night in camp where we all stayed up and didn’t go to sleep. Also when all the shows were going up, we called it hell week because it was utter mayhem.

What was your favorite camp food?

In the morning I always had fruit loops for breakfast, as many as I possibly could.

What is your favorite camp cheer?

At my preforming arts camp, our camp cheers were musical numbers :)

What is your favorite movie about camp/that you saw at camp?

Camp about theatre camp

What did you prefer – pool or lake?

Lake all the way.

Sports or arts?

Arts.

Favorite canteen candy?

Sour patch (still eat them all the time to this day).