NYSC ORIENTATION CAMP GUIDE: 8 PRACTICAL TIPS THAT WILL SHOCK YOU
The first phase of the National Youth Service Corps is the orientation camp. Let’s see some NYSC orientation camp guides to help in your journey throughout your NYSC program. You know that it is usually a time of fun and making new friends. The other aspects of the orientation camp are the PPA called the Place of Primary Assignment, Community Development Service (CDS), and the Passing Out Parade (POP).
The orientation period consists of different segments where Prospective Corps Members are prepped on the aims, objectives and goals of the NYSC scheme.
In this blog post, we will discuss what happens before, during, and after the NYSC camp orientation. In this article, you will learn some nysc Orientation camp guides that will help you during your Youth Service Program. You will also be given some NYSC camp tips which you need to keep very close to you throughout your period at the camp.
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE NYSC CAMP?
You don’t just proceed to the NYSC camp immediately after graduation at school. That is why this NYSC orientation camp guide is written for you.
In a year, there are usually three NYSC batches with two streams each. Before you are shortlisted into any batch, you must have done your registration and received your call-up number and green card. Your call-up letter contains details of your orientation camp and posting details. You are expected to proceed to your orientation camp as dated in your letter with some essential documents.
At the camp, some materials will be given to you: a pair of jacket and trousers which will most definitely need amendments, a bunk space and bed, jungle boots, white tennis shoes, white socks and shorts, a belt and a face cap. Also, remember to take along with you extra white socks and shorts, rubber white shoes, waist pouch for convenience.
Search the net for video clips or articles about the orientation camp to help prepare you ahead of your journey at the orientation camp. This also sensitizes you about what to expect at the camp.
WHAT DO I EXPECT AT THE CAMP?
As we continue in this NYSC orientation camp guides, let’s discuss what you should expect at the camp;
- Medical Check-up and Registration
Upon arrival at the camp, a medical fitness check will be done before you proceed to registration. Registration includes documentation, platoon and accommodation allocation, and opening of bank accounts. The necessary kits provided by the NYSC board are to be collected at the platoon station. After registration is done, you can move on to join other activities at the camp to prepare for the oath-taking-in activities.
- Oath-taking
The oath-taking is also called Swearing-in. Starting from the date you were asked to officially resume camp till you are sworn in, you must attend morning and evening parade drills. You will be trained during the drills on how to respond to commands ahead of the swear-in day.
For the swearing-in ceremony, you are expected to wear your crested vest, jungle boots, khaki trousers, cap, belt, socks and Identity Card.
You will be led to pledge your allegiance throughout your service. After this event, you are thereafter addressed as corp members. You are no longer a prospective corp member.
- Daily Activities
During every daily event taking place at the camp, You are to always put on your caps and tags. Crested vests are meant for ceremonial events while white shirts, shorts, white shoes and socks are worn every other day.
Everyone wakes up at 4 am to the sound of a beagle with officers coming to drive corp members to the parade ground. After the morning devotion, the Orientation Broadcasting Service brings up news for the day before the camp coordinator’s address. The Man O War drills come afterward.
Other activities that take place at the camp are
- Recitation of NYSC and National Anthem
Be prepared to always recite the National and NYSC Anthem at the parade ground every morning, during the day or at the close of the day. One surprising event you may witness at the camp is the waking and going to sleep of the Flag. This is usually 6 am and 6 pm respectively.
- Camp activities
Each platoon has been scheduled and expected to perform their duties as assigned. You are most likely to hear platoon duty days when you get to the camp. Don’t be surprised, each platoon on duty would have to conduct morning devotion, sanitation, kitchen work and other activities in the evening.
Be expectant that different Heads of Office will address on throughout your orientation camp. There would also be different lectures on career, language, and general lifestyle. In this session, you must pay rapt attention to learn about some mistakes to avoid during your service year.
- Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Skills
You must join various SAED skills at the camp. Some of these skills are tie and dye making, hair making, makeup, tech skills, pastry making, soap making, fashion design, and many more.
- Food Timetable
It is your right to receive three meals each day throughout your time at the camp. When you get to the orientation camp, you will get to see the every week food schedule. You will be given the meal ticket for each day at the orientation camp which will be marked after each meal has been taken.
You are expected to have breakfast starting from 8:00 in the morning, Lunch before 3 pm, and Dinner starting from 6:30 in the evening. Make sure you eat at the camp or visit the mammy market to sort yourself out.
- Mammy market
You will not be permitted to leave the camp premises for any reason except leaving for home on a very important purpose or other unforeseen circumstances. A mammy market is within the camp where you can purchase any necessary materials. You must get necessary materials as the prices of commodities at the camp are usually very high.
NYSC CAMP TIPS
Now that you have learned some NYSC orientation camp guides, let’s take a look at some other NYSC camp tips you need for a successful orientation period.
As a corp member, your beginning of the whole NYSC program begins with the orientation camp. In this NYSC orientation camp guide, you will be put through some NYSC camp tips to help you survive the entire camp journey;
* Get ready for the unforeseen circumstances
For a place you haven’t been before, prepare ahead for whatever is likely to happen by getting all the daily essentials that may turn you stranded. Go along with extra cash to purchase whatever you don’t have in possession.
* Be open the Diversity
You are going to the camp to meet different people of different backgrounds. Be open-minded and make more friends. See the camp as an opportunity for new knowledge.
* Come Physically Ready
Keep an elementary level of body fitness before entering into the camp through steady exercise and healthy nutrition.
* Find out the Camp Rules and regulations
Acquaint yourself with the rules and regulations of the camp.
*Stay Hydrated and Stay healthy.
The camp activities can be so demanding. Take lots of water, have adequate diet, and have plenty of rest.
* Connect with New Friends
The camp is a good place to meet new people and connect with other people of different backgrounds.
* Stay Positive
There are going to be discouraging moments. Ensure to remain focused till the end of your service year. Consider the positive ends to push you forward
* Participate in the Skill Acquisition Program.
Don’t underrate or overlook this part of the orientation camp. There is more to learn.
Conclusion
You have successfully come to the end of the article. You have learned some NYSC orientation camp guides to help you through your journey from the beginning to the end of your service. Also in this article, you have been exposed to some other NYSC camp tips necessary to avoid stories that touch the heart. As you proceed for your Youth Service Corps, I wish you a fun-filled moment ahead.
