When I first got my NYSC call-up letter, I was filled with mixed feelings, excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. But once I arrived at the orientation camp, reality set in fast.
Nothing could have prepared me for how intense and eye-opening the next 21 days would be.
One of the biggest shocks was the early morning routine. At 2 Am, everyone would have wake up to prepare for the morning before the beagle (camp trumpet) would wake everyone up. By 4:30 AM, we were already on the parade ground for morning meditation.
You would see thousands of corps members dressed in white jogging to the field, some sleepy, some energetic, and others just trying to adjust.
After the morning meditation came the parade drills. These drills were serious. Standing under the sun, obeying commands, and marching in sync taught me discipline.
Then came the Man O’ War training, climbing ropes, crawling under nets, and pushing past limits I didn’t know I had. It was fun and tiring at the same time.
There were also activities like cultural dances, volleyball, football matches, and even beauty contests like Miss NYSC and Mr Macho. It was always exciting to watch fellow corps members show off their talents.
One major part of camp was the SAED lecture (Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development) program. The goal is to help us learn new skills we can use after service.
While the idea is great, the reality is that sitting in lectures for almost 6 hours every day can be exhausting. Honestly, many people slept off during the sessions. But looking back, I now appreciate the knowledge shared, especially the importance of not depending only on certificates.
Washing clothes in camp is not easy. Time is very limited, and the queue for water can be long. For ladies, I strongly recommend going with enough disposable underwear, it’ll save you a lot of stress.
Camp is both fun and stressful. There were moments I laughed so hard and others I felt like crying from tiredness. But the best part? The people. I met so many amazing individuals from different states, backgrounds, and cultures.
Some have now become friends for life. Camp taught me the importance of tolerance, time management, and simply being yourself in a crowd of many.
One of the best-known places in camp is the Mami Market. This is where you buy almost everything, food, snacks, toiletries, clothes, and even charge your phone. But here’s the thing, everything is expensive. So, go with enough cash. Trust me, you’ll need it.
What You Can Learn from My NYSC Camp Experience
- Discipline and Time Management: The camp schedule is tight, and you learn to move fast and manage your time.
- Be Open to New People: Camp is a great opportunity to make lifelong friends and build your network.
- Stay Prepared: From clothes to cash, it’s important to go to camp prepared so you won’t struggle.
- Be Yourself: You don’t need to change who you are to fit in. Everyone is different, and that’s the beauty of it.
- Learn Something New: Even if the SAED lectures feel boring, try to pick up at least one useful skill. It might help you tomorrow.
In all, NYSC camp was an unforgettable experience for me. It stretched me, taught me, and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re about to go for your own NYSC camp, go with an open mind and a strong heart.
