Preparing for Camp...

  We all know the excitement that comes with seeing our name in the 'Almighty' NYSC list, because we all know it's not easy based on the number of graduates we have in Nigeria every year.

Now you've seen your name, next is registration, waiting for call up letter and preparing for camp. Preparation includes the three important documents you'd need in camp which are; Call up letter, Statement of result and school ID card' (don't forget any), and like 5 passport photograph. Do not laminate your call up letter and you don't need to photocopy a large number of the documents you need in camp, 2 each is enough as everything now is online. Then you need get like 4 pairs of white shorts and top respectively, two pairs will be given to you in camp but you might not like them. Other things to get include,; Mosquitoe net, bed sheet, padlock, marker etc. Don't bother bringing plenty load because you will definately see most of the things you need in camp (Sometimes more expensive) .

 If you go to camp a day to the main opening, you'd be allowed to stay in camp, also if you go to camp on time you'd also get a good bed space. But the thing about going early to camp is the stress of registration, trust me, you'd push people and they'd push you in return, the crowd is usually much on the first day. So if you ain't cut out for that stress, just chill till the next day as the registration lasts for 3days. You will be given your kits right after registration, and mammy market people will surely taste your money because you have to amend your khaki.

Trust me, the first week of camp is usually not fun and is kinda annoying as you will still be getting used to the environment and your fellow Otondos. If you are not a social person, please drop that anti-social life at home because you'd meet different people from different parts of the country, people who are so different from the friends you used to have in school. Because you do not know where you will end up tomorrow, please try and be friendly in camp.

I used to read stories of how boys in camp usually spend to stupor for girls they  like in camp, Ogbeni...Things have changed o, infact na u go spend for some boys for camp if you no dey careful. Lol... 

For those seeking to have a relationship during camp, please be careful as most of them end immediately you step out of the gate after your three weeks in camp. And please it's just three weeks, you can stay without certain habits that can put you in trouble with the soldiers or NYSC officials.

There are lots of things to keep you busy in camp; football, volley ball, kitchen duties, parade, band, drama competition, SAED and many more. SAED helps you a lot if you want to acquire a skill.

If you want a paparazzi to be following you about in camp, 'dem plenty' just pay them a token of 1000 or 1500 and they'd cover your activities in camp right from the first day (it's advisable) .

Some of you must have vowed not to eat camp food all through your stay in camp 'Edakun' if you notice your camp kitchen cooks well, please save your money sometimes and eat from the kitchen because it's your money. Most camps have excellent cooks but be ready for their 'water water tea', you can just add your own beverage when they serve you that.

No need coming to camp with plenty clothes, just one or two extra cloth is enough because you wont even need them in camp. Some camps still do parade Sunday evenings. For those that intend to participate in beauty pageant, cultural day, drama etc, you can come with your own costume or better still save yourself the stress and hire in camp. Trust me there's nothing you wont find in camp.

For those who love to hang out drink and dance, don't worry because some camps have clubs, where you can stay till 10pm before the final whistle that will send you to bed.

There is no ATM in camp (except for Lagos camp), so just go with a minimum of 15k because you will be paid your first allawee in camp, and also some people at mammy offer ATM services in camp.

Please and please do not joke or misplace your meal ticket, you will use it for virtually everything in camp. Some people didn't receive their allowances because they misplaced their meal ticket and someone else helped them to collect the money with the ticket. So you see why you need to be careful with it?

Most soldiers in camp are every lenient, depends on the state you find yourself, just try and cooperate with them, the main punishment for a minor offense is just to frog jump or run. If you also want to show them that you are stubborn, they will treat you like a stubborn goat.

Some of you might not have time to do your laundry, just send it to mammy and they'd handle it with just 100 bucks for washing and ironing of your top and short. It saves you from thieves in camp. But don't forget to tag your name along as you send them.

If you are a doctor or medical personal be prepared to be in the camp clinic attending to your fellow corpers who will need your services. And if you are a lawyer, be prepared to work in the camp court.


There are lots of things to say but let me stop here for now...

***I know you are excited you have less than two weeks to leave for camp,  you might have one or two things you want to know or be cleared on before camp. If you do, just ask your questions under the comment section and I'd be glad to help out.

And don't forget to also send this to your friends going to camp too. As you wait for your call up letter, just don't feel bad when you see a state you never really wanted. There is always a reason for everything. Your wish isn't God's will for you (sometimes).


Waiting to answer your questions.........