Introduction
I feel genuinely excited writing this like a mother advising her children before the first day of school: “Remember the son of whom you are!” 😂😂
Since I served in Nkwerre camp and experiences differ across the country, I gathered insights from friends who served in other states. This is the complete, updated NYSC orientation camp survival guide every prospective corps member should read.
Let’s go!
I. What to Bring to NYSC Camp
1. Important Documents
Put all documents in a transparent bag. These are non-negotiable:
NYSC Call-up Letter
NYSC Green Card
Statement of Result or Certificate
Final Year ID Card (or School Letter)
16–20 passport photographs
Medical report (very important for relocation)
All uploaded registration documents (foreign-trained corps members)
Medical licenses/certificates (medical professionals)
At least 10 photocopies of each document
2. Essential Clothing & Footwear
Bring your own kit because NYSC kits are often oversized or undersized:
White t-shirts
White shorts
White socks
White rubber tennis shoes (dry fast + easy to wash)
White sweater/cardigan (especially for cold states like Plateau, Kaduna, Abuja, Bauchi, Jos)
3. Hygiene & Health Essentials
Potty/bucket (this will save your life!)
Nylon bags (for camps where people do “shotput”)
Disinfectant
Sanitizer
Mosquito repellent
Pain relief & basic drugs
Soap, sponge, deodorant
Camisoles and tights for see-through shirts
4. Bedding & Personal Care Items
Bedsheets
Pillow & pillowcase
Blanket or wrapper
Mosquito net
Torchlight
Covered plate, cup, and cutlery
Padlocks
2–3 mufti outfits
Slippers
Stationery (stapler, marker, pen, nylon folders)
5. Money & Provisions
Budget at least ₦1,500 per day.
Some camps have ATMs; many don’t.
Bring:
Cash
Garri, cereal, milk, sugar, tea
Snacks
Water bottle
6. The Three Most Important Things to Bring
Courage
Strength
Endurance
These three will save you more than anything else.
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II. The NYSC Camp Dos
1. Go Early
In crowded camps (like Lagos), latecomers struggle for mattresses, bunks, and space.
Arrive early especially if you want to stay with your friend.
2. Participate in Activities
You don’t need to be hyper. Just be involved:
Volleyball
Debate
Drama
SAED business plan competition
Band
Dance
Man O’ War
Parade practice (optional depending on your strategy 😂)
You’ll make friends, enjoy camp, and even win prizes.
3. Be Nice to People
Camp will humble you.
The same person you were rude to today might be the one you need tomorrow.
4. Sleep Early
If you sleep late, the next day’s parade will feel like punishment for sins you didn’t commit.
5. Join OBS or Red Cross to Avoid Parade
Show your tag and walk away freely.
No stress. No shouting. No sunburn.
Simple.
6. Obey Soldiers (Well… Most Times 😅)
Just avoid their wahala as much as possible.
Compliance is peace.
7. Be Security Conscious
Lock your box
Keep valuables in your waist pouch
Don’t trust anyone blindly
8. Know Your Limits
Don’t start drinking or smoking because others are doing it.
Camp peer pressure is loud.
Protect your sanity and health.
III. NYSC Camp Don’ts
1. Don’t Bring Laptops or iPads
If it can’t fit into your waist pouch, don’t bring it.
2. Don’t Fall for Passport Scams at the Gate
White or red background is fine.
Don’t let photographers deceive you.
3. Don’t Wear Your NYSC Kit Immediately After Collecting It
Soldiers will shout at you to change immediately.
Ignore politely.
Stay in your mufti.
Say your kit hasn’t been issued yet.
This allows you to avoid parade until swearing-in day.
You’re welcome 😂😂
4. Don’t Waste Money
Mammy Market is a sweet trap.
You’ll see food, drinks, photoshoots, tailors, and temptations everywhere.
Spend wisely.
5. Don’t Turn Your Cap Backwards
Unless during Man O’ War.
Otherwise, they’ll humble you.
6. Don’t Be Careless
Your belongings = your responsibility.
7. Don’t Be Easily Influenced
Have your values.
Don’t do things you wouldn’t normally do.
8. Don’t Be Selfish
Help others.
One good deed in camp can save you later.
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