NYSC Orientation Camp : See What it Feels Like – Read Carefully
The feeling of being at the NYSC orientation camp is everything you ever dreamed of. Getting to meet new people and daily activities is one in a lifetime opportunity for everyone. In this article, I have clearly stated all that is like to be at the NYSC orientation camp, both the formal and informal.
So you’re probably warming up for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC Nigeria) and you’ve been wondering, “What is the NYSC orientation camp like?” That is, what activities go on there? Fun, Hard labour, Military training? Formal learning environment or what?
Well, you’re not alone in this kind of thought. Some of us had some curiosity about this onerous task to help build our nation via the NYSC program.
What NYSC Orientation Camp is like?
1. A very Stressful First Day
The first days of orientation camp are the most stressful. Imagine standing on the cue for several hours, for your registration process and proceedings.
There are series of registrations involving cross-checking of documents, signing, checking in of Corp members etc.
2. State of Discomfort
The NYSC orientation camp is never a place of luxury and comfort. Therefore, be expecting the worst of the worst. Discomfort like; congested rooms, getting to adjust to the weather condition of your state of service, morning drills and the early wake-up calls etc.
But, this isn’t something to worry about at all. If 3 weeks of such minor discomfort can help to further unite and build our nation, we might as well make it 3 months.
3. Regimented
The NYSC camp is fully regimented. In other words, it’s the kind of experience you will get in a military camp. Of course, your training is not even close at all to military training but still, they aren’t unconnected.
The army trains the Corp members. You should expect different types of training including a parade (this one is the surest), callisthenics, taekwondo, Man O War (by the Man O War), etc.
You go to bed around 11 and before you know it, soldiers are in the hostels to cut short your sleep… Asking why? Because of its morning (3 am or thereabout). So, the beagle, trumpet, or whatever you call it disturbed a lot. You always pay attention when you hear the beagle.
Every different sound pattern of the beagle means a different thing. There is one for the parade, one for food, one when your attention is needed for the announcement, one or light out, etc. In short, the orientation camp is fully regimented. So, get ready to live like a controlled robot. Better still, appreciate the fun of it. Yes, it is also fun.
4. Fun and Fun and More Fun
Of course, as the saying goes: “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” I am sure even regimented camps know that. That’s why everyone in the orientation camp has fun moments.
I enjoy watching football, even though I am not good at it. Lawn tennis, my favourite game I like to play wasn’t there in my orientation camp. I felt cheated! However, I had some fun playing volleyball with the soldiers and other corp members. Yes, I can play volleyball, but not excellent at that. But, I enjoy the game.
What about Social Night? Ah! Lovely! A lot of things: beauty pageantry, dance competition, drama, etc.
But do you know the most interesting part? The “unofficial” dance! Lol. So, in this unofficial dance, you hear stuff like “Igbo, it’s your turn to dance!” Then with sound of Phyno or Zoro, see Igbo kill it! “Hausa, take the stage!” OMG! Never knew how good different tribes in this country can dance! Not to mention Yoruba, etc. Everyone killed it!
5. The Food is Bad
Like really sucks. That’s all because I don’t even want to remember it. But, not to worry. Just have some catch for food. Always go to the camp mammy market to eat better food if you don’t like NYSC food.
6. No indecent act or “the other types” of fun
There is where it will depend more on the management of your orientation camp. The state coordinator of my camp, a disciplined man and a father made sure the corp members behaved in a like manner: disciplined. His slogan then was “No man, no woman, no liquor.”
Documents You Would Need
As a corp member, there are some documents you would need to take along with you to the state where you are being posted.
This document includes:
- Your student ID card (original and photocopies).
- Certificate /statement of results from your school (original with 6 photocopies).
- NYSC call-up letter (original and 6 photocopies)
- Recent passport photograph
- Compulsory medical certificate from a government or military hospital showing health status.
Arriving at the camp with the above-listed documents and items will get you through your registration at the orientation camp to the point where you will collect your mattress and your NYSC Kit.
Honestly, the registration process is quite tedious and hectic especially when you don’t have the right documents at hand or even know what to do.
If you have any other questions, go to the comment section below. Also, do well to share this link on all your social media platform both with your friends and loved ones.
CSN Team.
