Just like yesterday, when I took off to a state called Kwara State for my service. It was surprising because I never thought of going to camp that early, but you know our school can be so dramatic; all of a sudden, within that same month, they rushed everything for us, and we didn't have any choice.
I have not gotten to Kwara State before, although it's not too far from my state. Well, I pack my bag and my loads for the journey. I only have three good weeks to spend in the camp. I could not pack everything I needed, though, because I hate having too many loads and I'm lazy too. So I picked some and left some, even though they are important.
All my thoughts were that the journey should not be more than three to four hours long. There's a state in Kwara that is called Ilorin. So I was thinking that would be our camp, not knowing that it's not. So when I got to Kwara State and the bus stopped all of us, our thoughts were that the journey was over, until I moved closer to someone and told them where I was going. He called the transportation cost for me, and I was so confused because it's more than what I used to get there. I needed to wait for more people to confirm the price.
After I confirmed the price, I left to board another car. This car spent more than four hours on the road. The place we are going is full of bush, and it's so far away from the town. I thought I was being kidnapped at first because you will not see anyone on the road; it is all full of bush and dust.
I finally saw where to buy snacks, and after some hours, we got to where we were going. Finally, finally, I'm happy. But another story starts. We have to be on a straight line so they can check our loads one after the other. Remember, this is a military camp; we have to comply if we don't want any problems. There are some dressings that are not allowed in, and also drugs, unless you have the descriptions for them.
When I got to camp, I did the necessary things I needed to do, and I was grouped in group one. I met the people in group one, and they are all so nice. It's time for elections, so they choose a group leader, and that happens to be a lady. Well, I wasn't there, so I don't know how it went. After that, the camp begins. The first week was so tough; the soldiers are not smiling at us at all. I happen to fall into a hostel called Harmony Hostel. I was told that the people in that hotel are so wicked.
Believe me, one day around 1 a.m. at midnight, they took all of us out in the cold weather because we didn't listen. And we were punished by staying inside that cold weather for more than an hour.
After the first week, the second week was far enough, as we had so many activities like games and so on. This was the time I started enjoying the camp; moreover, I became the sports organizer and coach by this time, and I fell in love with everything they did. I trained the females in volleyball, and they all did absolutely well.
Talking about the food we ate at camp, it's so funny that if you did not go along with extra money, you might end up having ulcers. Not all the food is well satisfied, isn't that why they called it camp? If you collect their tea, it's so watery. But then, their jollof rice is not bad. Well, I ate some food in camp, and of course I need to eat it. How will my camp experience be complete? And I made sure I ate at the so-called Mami Market; that's the market where you will buy all sorts of food. Their food is not that expensive, though.
I could remember how we used to girate in the morning; it's an unforgettable memory. Well, the last week at the camp is something I will never forget. Since then, I've met lots of people, mingled with friends, and so on. In fact, I wish the camp would never finish.
I joined so many activities in camp, and I enjoy myself. I'm happy I did it. I still talk to some of my friends, but not everyone. And after the whole thing, we left the camp after spending a good three weeks. It was a memory that will always be in my head to this day.
We were posted to cities and states where we would continue our service for a good year, and that was how I missed almost everyone.
All pictures are mine
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