Prospective NYSC corps member are usually anxious as they are not sure of what to expect from camp, call it “fear of the unknown” if you like. That’s why I decided to share my personal experience to give you a feel of what it’s like.

THE GOOD
New Friends: You’ll get to meet different people in the NYSC camp. Graduates from different institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and maybe a few old friends and classmates too. You might even run into your primary and secondary school mates.

Fun: It’s usually one last opportunity to live that exciting, carefree “student-life” before the pressure from parents to get married, get a job or get a Master’s Degree sets in.

Activities: If you consider yourself an action junkie i.e. the type that likes to get involved in many things, then the NYSC Camp is just perfect for you. Parade, Football, Volleyball, Drama, Dance, Obstacle crossing are just a few of the activities to get your adrenalin pumping.

Team Spirit: You’ll be grouped into platoons based on the last digit of your number and the platoon will serve as your family in Camp. Cooking, cleaning and competing together against other platoons will help you bond with your team members.

THE BAD
Personal Time: Camp life is military in nature. Your time isn’t yours and you’ll be called in the morning, afternoon and night to participate in different activities and you either comply or face punishment. If you’re the type that enjoys sleeping, you’re going to be deprived during the 3 weeks.

Food: Camp food leaves a lot to be desired. The taste and quality isn’t fit to be served to refugees not to talk of University graduates serving their fatherland. So make alternative arrangement i.e. Provisions and money to eat in “mami”.

THE UGLY
Bathrooms: When the facilities are grossly inadequate for the demand, abuse is inevitable. This is the situation in most camps in Nigeria, so brace yourself and prepare for the worst.

First day: After your “private” belongings are thoroughly scrutinized, you will be made to carry your load on your head and made to run like you’re being chased. And this will be in the presence of cool boys and girls who are already present in camp. But don’t take it to heart; they also went through the same process. #AllNaWash

Theft: After putting together all your necessities and maybe some few luxury items for NYSC camp, you wake up one day and find one or more things missing, it can be really frustrating. Always sleep with one eye open and make sure your stuff is secure at all time to guard against losses.

A PIECE OF ADVICE
Be alert and security conscious at all times and try to learn the cultures and traditions of people beforehand so that you won’t do or say offensive things that may land you in trouble. Also, make sure you have extra money stashed in your account as you may need to sleep in a hotel or take an emergency trip.

A helpful piece I must say.. Having mixed feeling about the whole camp stuff.. But hoping for the best sha :-)

@Debbie Yes it most definitely is, just try to keep an open mind towards it. It has it's moments