The worst nightmare for any corps member is to arrive in camp and discover that they should have come along with some things but didn’t. So to help you with some of the essential items you should take with you, here is a list of things needed for NYSC camp. Trust me, I wasn't prepared and I paid the terrible price.

Here is a list of things you should come with.

Compulsory items needed for NYSC orientation camp These items are needed to get you through your registration at NYSC orientation camp:

1. NYSC call-up letter – Your call up letter is the first most important thing you must not forget when you are packing for the orientation camp. Take with you both the original copy and the photocopies you made. It is the only evidence that signifies that you are a real and prospective corps member. And that you are not there impersonating someone else. Also, do not laminate your call up letter to avoid any embarrassment.

2. School Identity Card – Also, you should take with you, your school identity card. Take with you the original copy and also make photocopies. It will be the proof you will present at the camp to show that you graduated from the institution that is indicated on your certificate.

3. Statements of Result or Certificates – You are to take with you the original copy and six photocopies of your statement of your result/certificate of the course you studied. If you are a medical graduate/optometrist/pharmacist, you are to take with you the evidence of completion of internship or housemanship and the original copy of your registration certificate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria/ Optometrist Registration Council/ Pharmacist Board.

4. Passport photographs – It is recommended that you go with your recent passport photographs. And make sure to make several copies.

5. Medical Certificate of fitness – You must obtain a medical certificate to show your current health status at the camp from a government or military hospital.

Items listed under this category are not compulsory or stipulated to be taken to the camp. But they are essential and vital to you having a smooth and less stressful period in camp. Having these things with you at the camp will lessen the burden of your everyday camp activities and schedules and also help you not to spend so much money buying things at a more expensive price in camp:

1.File Jackets
2.Stationery
3.White round neck T-shirt
4.White shorts
5. Plain white sneakers or tennis shoes
6. White socks
7. Underwear (take enough with you that will be sufficient for the period of your stay in camp)
8. Padlocks
9. Provisions
10. Toiletries
11. Towels.
12. Treated mosquito net.
13. Antiseptics/disinfectants.
14. Money and ATM Cards (you should have some money on you because you might need one or two things and you will not want to start borrowing at camp).
15. Waist Pouch.
16. Flashlight (Torchlight)/Rechargeable lamps. If you are going with a flashlight that uses batteries, you should do we to take enough batteries with you.
17. Phone charger/Power bank. If possible you can go with an extra battery for your mobile phone or smartphone.
18. Padlocks
19. Bucket
20. Rubber slippers
21. Bed items such as bedspread/sheets, pillowcase, pillow and a wrapper or blanket.
22. Hand sanitizer
23. Medical kit containing medications such as multivitamins, analgesics or pain relievers, antibiotics, prescription tablets for malaria, anti-purging pills, and other medicines that you need to cope (especially if you know you have some conditions), cotton wool, plasters, methylated spirit, Robb and other things you think you might personally need.
24. Dish set such a food flask, spoon, and a drinking cup or flask.
25. Books you can read during your free time in camp.
26. A pair of NYSC white tennis shoes.

All these things listed above should be more than enough for you not to be stranded when you get to camp and make things easy for you. Have a safe trip to camp.