20 Activities in the NYSC Camp

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp is a three-week period of mandatory training for all Nigerian graduates before they begin their one-year national service.

The camp is designed to instill discipline, patriotism, and national unity in the corps members. However, it can also be a fun and exciting time, thanks to the many social competitions and activities that are organized for the corps members.

In this blog post, I will share with you the top 20 best activities in NYSC camp that you should not miss. These activities will not only spice up your camp experience, but also help you to make new friends, learn new skills, and discover new talents. So, without further ado, here are the top 20 best activities in NYSC camp:

1. Cultural Dance and Drama

This competition is a great opportunity to showcase your tribe’s culture and heritage. Each platoon is allowed to choose a few dancers and performers to compete on their behalf. The judges are looking for creativity, stage presence, and the ability to engage the audience. You can also learn a lot about the diversity and richness of the Nigerian culture by watching the performances of other platoons.

2. Variety Night

This is a night of fun and entertainment, featuring a variety of performances from the corps members. Some of the most popular acts include singing, dancing, comedy, poetry, and magic. The highlight of the night is the crowning of Mr. Macho and Miss NYSC, the most attractive male and female campers. You can also participate in the talent show by showcasing your own skills and talents, or just enjoy the show as a spectator.

3. Miss Big, Bold, and Beautiful

This beauty pageant is for women who are size 18 and up. It is a celebration of beauty in all shapes and sizes. The judges are looking for confidence, poise, and an inner glow. You can also support your favorite contestant by cheering and voting for her. This event is usually one of the most colorful and lively events in the camp.

4. Miss Petite

This beauty pageant is for petite women. It is a celebration of beauty and charm. The judges are looking for confidence, grace, and an infectious smile. You can also support your favorite contestant by cheering and voting for her. This event is usually one of the most glamorous and elegant events in the camp.

5. Quiz Competition

This competition is a test of the corps members’ knowledge of a variety of subjects, including current events, history, general knowledge, and prison administration. Each platoon is allowed to have two representatives. The quiz is usually conducted in a knockout format, with the winners advancing to the next round until the final round. You can also test your own knowledge by answering the questions along with the contestants, or just watch and learn from the experts.

6. Intellectual Work

This is a debate competition where two corps members from each platoon go head-to-head on a current topic. The judges are looking for critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking skills. The topics are usually relevant and controversial, such as corruption, security, education, and youth empowerment. You can also express your own opinion by asking questions or making comments during the debate, or just listen and be enlightened by the views of others.

7. Cooking Competition

This competition is a test of the corps members’ culinary skills. Each platoon is allowed to have two representatives. The menu is not revealed until the day of the competition, so the corps members have to be creative and resourceful. The judges are looking for taste, presentation, hygiene, and originality. You can also sample the dishes and vote for your favorite one, or just enjoy the aroma and the sight of the food.

8. Camp Idol

This is a singing competition where one male and one female singer from each platoon compete for the title of Camp Idol. The judges are looking for vocal talent, stage presence, and the ability to connect with the audience. The songs are usually popular and catchy, ranging from Nigerian to foreign, from gospel to secular, from old to new. You can also sing along and dance to the music, or just admire the talent and charisma of the singers.

9. Drill Battle Between Platoons

This is a competition of precision, discipline, and teamwork. Each platoon is judged on their ability to march in sync, perform drills correctly, and follow orders. The drills are usually challenging and complex, requiring coordination and concentration. The platoons are also expected to wear their uniforms neatly and smartly. You can also cheer and applaud for your platoon, or just watch and be impressed by the display of skill and order.

10. Man O’War Drills Competition

This is a competition of strength, agility, and endurance. The teams are judged on their ability to complete a variety of obstacles, such as climbing walls, crossing ropes, and carrying logs. The obstacles are usually difficult and dangerous, requiring courage and determination. The teams are also expected to work together and help each other. You can also encourage and motivate your team, or just watch and be amazed by the display of power and speed.

11. Camp Fire Night

This is a night of relaxation and bonding, where the corps members gather around a bonfire and share stories, jokes, and songs. The camp fire night is usually held in the last week of the camp, as a way of celebrating the end of the orientation program. You can also roast marshmallows, make new friends, and enjoy the warmth and the ambiance of the fire.

12. Carnival

This is a day of fun and festivity, where the corps members dress up in colorful and creative costumes and parade around the camp. The carnival is usually themed, such as cultural, traditional, or modern. The judges are looking for originality, style, and the ability to entertain the crowd. You can also join the parade and show off your costume, or just watch and be dazzled by the spectacle.

13. Sports Competition

This is a competition of physical fitness and sportsmanship, where the corps members compete in various sports, such as football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, and athletics. Each platoon is allowed to have a team for each sport. The judges are looking for skill, teamwork, and fair play. You can also join a team and show off your talent, or just watch and cheer for your favorite team.

14. Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Program

This is a program that aims to equip the corps members with relevant skills and knowledge that will enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of the society. The SAED program offers various courses, such as fashion design, bead making, photography, catering, cosmetology, ICT, and agriculture. The corps members are expected to register for a course of their choice and attend the classes and workshops. You can also learn a new skill and start a business, or just acquire more knowledge and experience.

15. Community Development Service (CDS) Project

This is a project that aims to improve the living conditions and welfare of the host community. The CDS project involves identifying a problem or a need in the community and providing a solution or a service. The corps members are expected to work in groups and execute the project within the camp period. You can also contribute to the development of the community and make a positive impact, or just learn from the project and gain more exposure.

16. Social Night

This is a night of socialization and networking, where the corps members mingle and interact with each other. The social night is usually organized by the platoon leaders and the social committee. The social night features music, dance, games, and refreshments. You can also meet new people and make new friends, or just have fun and enjoy the night.

17. Award Night

This is a night of recognition and appreciation, where the corps members who excelled in various activities and competitions are honored and rewarded. The award night is usually held on the last day of the camp, as a way of celebrating the achievements and the completion of the orientation program. The award night features speeches, presentations, and performances. You can also receive an award and be celebrated, or just congratulate and celebrate with the winners.

18. Passing Out Parade (POP)

This is the final and most important event in the camp, where the corps members officially graduate from the orientation program and receive their certificates and posting letters. The POP is a ceremonial and solemn event, where the corps members march in formation and salute the dignitaries and the officials. The POP is also a time of mixed emotions, where the corps members bid farewell to each other and the camp. You can also receive your certificate and posting letter and be proud of yourself, or just say goodbye and thank you to everyone.

19. After Camp Party

This is an unofficial and optional event, where the corps members who wish to extend their camp experience and have more fun organize a party outside the camp. The after camp party is usually held at a nearby hotel, club, or lounge. The after camp party features music, dance, drinks, and food. You can also join the party and have a blast, or just relax and unwind.

20. Travel to Your Place of Primary Assignment (PPA)

This is the final and most exciting activity in the camp, where the corps members travel to their place of primary assignment, where they will serve for the next one year. The PPA is usually a school, a hospital, a government office, a private company, or a non-governmental organization.