Camp Packing List
What to Pack for
Orientation Camp
Compiled from hundreds of real corps member experiences across all NYSC camps in Nigeria.
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Documents
Original call-up letter (+ 3 photocopies)
University certificate / statement of result
NYSC registration slip
National ID or international passport
6 passport photographs
O-Level result (WAEC/NECO)
Birth certificate
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Clothing & Wearables
At least 5 sets of casual clothes
3 pairs of socks and underwear
Slippers/flip flops (essential)
Sneakers (for drills)
Light jacket or sweater (nights can be cold)
Sportswear (for morning drills)
Caps or hats (sun protection)
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Health & Wellness
Malaria drugs (Artemether/Lumefantrine)
Pain reliever (Ibuprofen or Paracetamol)
Insect repellent (cream or spray)
Mosquito net (very important)
Your regular medications + prescription
Hand sanitizer
Oral rehydration salts
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Bedding & Comfort
Bedsheet (single bed size)
Pillow (camps rarely provide)
Small towel (2 recommended)
Body lotion and skincare essentials
Toiletries: soap, toothbrush, paste
Deodorant (you will need it)
Small padlock for locker
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Tech & Utilities
Rechargeable torchlight / headlamp
Phone charger + power bank
Small fan (for hot nights)
Extension cord (shared rooms)
Earphones
Portable battery lantern
Physical cash (₦20,000 – ₦50,000)
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Food & Snacks
Instant noodles (Indomie/Golden Penny)
Canned sardines or tuna
Biscuits and snacks for between meals
Sachet beverages (Milo, coffee)
Small bottle of honey or peanut butter
Bottled water for first day
Plastic plates, cups and cutlery
Daily Routine
A Typical Camp Day
Hour by Hour
5:00 AM
Wake-up / Reveille
Be ready before bugle sounds
5:30 AM
Morning drills & physical exercise
45–60 minutes on the parade ground
7:00 AM
Breakfast at the mammy market
Long queues — arrive early
8:00 AM
Lectures / Civic education sessions
Attendance is mandatory and marked
1:00 PM
Lunch break
1 hour window
2:00 PM
Afternoon sessions / Skill acquisition
Choose your SAED track here
5:00 PM
Cultural activities / Entertainment
Platoon competitions and bonding
7:00 PM
Dinner
Camp canteen or mammy market
10:00 PM
Lights out
Curfew is strictly enforced
Insider Tips
Pro Tips from
Former Corps Members
1
Join a platoon early and be active
Camp is scored partly by platoon participation. Join your platoon whatsapp group on day one, volunteer for activities, and represent well at platoon sports events.
2
Register for SAED workshops immediately
Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) workshops fill up fast. Register for the one most relevant to your career on the very first opportunity.
3
Network aggressively — this is the value
NYSC camp is a unique mixing pot of graduates from across Nigeria. The connections you make here — with lawyers, engineers, doctors, tech people — can last a lifetime.
4
Stay healthy: hydrate and sleep
The combination of drills, heat, and social activities drains your body. Drink water constantly, sleep when you can, and take your malaria prophylaxis seriously.