They will tell you camp is fun, really fun, they will tell you about the games, social activities, new friends and all the beautiful memories you will make.
And before you know it, you are already excited about going to camp.
You'll start planning how to escape parades, the excuses you'll give when you don't feel like participating and how to enjoy your 21 days.
Just lol 馃槀
Allow that imagination to replay because camp will have a different plan for you, except you are ill or pregnant.
Before I got my call-up letter, I had heard so many stories about NYSC orientation camp. I heard about the fun, the games, the friendships and the social activities. But nobody really told me about the discipline that comes with it.
Nobody told me that civilian marching is different from military-style marching.
Imagine nobody also told me about the strictness, the shouting and how an ordinary walk could suddenly become a marching lesson or an intense punishment
Now I understand why some former corp members were so happy about the new policy reform. I finally get the understanding馃槀
My first day in camp was supposed to be fun, at least according to the picture I had in my head.
But ehhhh, my instructors had other plans.
One thing I was grateful for, was completing my registration early. At least, I thought I would have enough time to settle down but no, I was so wrong
By 4 p.m., we were asked to come outside for parade. Ahhh so fast? No time to rest?
I was walking with my normal steps when I heard:
"Hey! You there! If I catch you, you will experience your first day in camp!
Another solider said, you there double up, in fact frog jump to the field right now, you dismissed police...
Ahhhh God this isn't what I signed up for
But omor ehh, I immediately knew I was in for something else 馃槱
Then came the question, after arranging us according to platoons, "Who can march?"
Without thinking twice, I raised my hand
Who sent me?
Before I knew what was happening, I and nine other corp members were called to the front to represent our platoons. We were to be trained as flag bearers.
Imagine, I was still trying to understand the camp environment, and now I have volunteered myself for another responsibility.
Anyway, that was how my first parade experience began.
Now, let's talk about food.
The kitchen food wasn't ready yet, so I decided to take a stroll to Mami Market. The food was quite affordable, and I eventually settled for goat meat pepper soup
At least, I had to feed myself after all the activities of the day. 馃槀
Honestly, my first day wasn't exactly what I imagined, but it came with its own memories, laughter and little surprises.
And this is just day one and I was beginning to wonder what the remaining days had in stock for me.
Now, let me hear from you...
For serving and former corps members, how was your first day in camp? Did you enjoy it, or did your instructors give you a different definition of enjoyment?
And for intending corps members, what are you expecting? Are you excited about camp or already thinking of how to escape parade? 馃槀
Join me as I share my NYSC camp experience in Delta State.
All images are mine, thank you for stopping by and for engaging