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!” 😂😂

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

Tip: Link to your NYSC Orientation Camps Across the Country

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.

NYSC Camp Survival Tips: the Dos & Don’ts