The National Youth Service, NYSC, orientation camp, which is mandatory for all prospective Corp members is indeed one of a kind. It is a place where youths are groomed to be leaders through adaptation, tolerance and endurance, without which one can not make a good leader.
Given the diverse challenges that an average Nigerian is plagued with, the camp is not exactly one of the best places one would want to find themselves. However, it is a must especially if one is below 30 years of age.
The camp, it’s food, the sun and rain, the drills the lectures, the short sleep time and manner in which one’s life is literally planned out for them and the sound of the beagle can be really frustrating. There however exists ways and or tricks through which one can survive in any camp across the country. These tricks include but are not limited to:
* The soldiers are your friends. At first, they may seem like they are after your life, but all they are doing will benefit you subsequently, so it is advisable to always see them as friends, respect them and they’ll cut you some slacks.
* Your platoon officer should be your friend. Help him or her knowing that any help rendered is for the success of the platoon. Partake in all platoon activities and in the long run, you’ll be glad you did.
* There exist lazy or generally lax people everywhere so if you fall under this category, you can join the Orientation Broadcasting service (OBS) as it gives Corp members a spot or an opportunity to hide and not take part in most camp activities such as the drills.
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* Avoid the Man ‘O War. They are after your life (not in the literal sense though). Their drills which are done platoon by platoon is intended to build, strength, encourage, rise ones morale and build endurance through trying circumstances. The good thing is that their drills are not compulsory for everyone so if you cannot do it, opt out but if you can and you take part, you will be glad you did.
* Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from eating certain meals, don’t always eat in the mammy market to avoid going broke and take loans to leave camp. You are not in competition with anyone so never feel the need to impress people who do not care.
* Make friends but look out for yourself, because no one will.
* Obey camp rules to the later especially as it concerns the opposite sex. You don’t want to embarrass your community in the event that you are caught “doing- the -do”
* No matter what, never feel the need to do beyond your abilities. When it gets overwhelming, you can simply fall so the Red Cross can get something to do. (They are usually idle)
* If you get to camp early enough, you can join the Red Cross and avoid other activities.
* Sleeping during lectures is not advisable but it is a sure way to recover lost sleep.
* In the event that you will not be relocating, and you don’t have long legs, try to partake in camp activities, be everywhere and in the end, you might be posted to a good place of primary assignment in town. Also join the OBS. It is not certain, but I could earn you a nice PPA.
* As a male, cover your first allowance with the “Blood” and avoid ladies because they will “chop you and go”
* The survival here is of the fittest, only the strong survive. Don’t always sit and wait for things to get to you because they won’t. Go grab it by yourself.
The activities in camp can drain you, but as stated in the preceding paragraphs, they are meant to help you build endurance and tolerance which in the long run will help one become better for themselves and the society at large.
Written by Galilan Samson
