The 3-week orientation course is one of the four cardinal programmes of the National Youth Service (NYSC). This orientation course is organised as a means of educating prospective corps members on what the National Youth Service entails and what is expected of them as they enroll in the one-year mandatory programme. While undergoing the NYSC orientation course, there are a number of voluntary groups that corps members can join that will make their stay in camp more engaging, thus guaranteeing them a fulfilling and fun-filled experience.
Discussed in this article are 7 groups you can be a part of to have a more fulfilling experience during your 3-week orientation course and the advantages of joining them.
1. Medical Team
This group is one of the foremost groups on camp, and accepted volunteers are those who are certified medical personnel like doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, lab scientists, and others who fall in the category.
Corps members in this group are exempted from activities on the parade ground as they are always placed on shifts at the camp clinic. Those on shifts are given preferential treatment like their meals being brought to the clinic instead of joining other corps members in the kitchen as their skills are always needed in the camp clinic.
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2. Quarter Guard
The Quarter Guard is a designated group of corps members saddled with the responsibility of welcoming special guests to the various permanent orientation camps in the country. This group is also responsible for hoisting the national flag by 6am and lowering it by 6pm daily until the end of the orientation course.
Based on experience, this group consists of 10-15 members who are trained to mount the Quarter Guard chamber, which is normally situated immediately after the gate while entering the camp.
If you are opportune to be a part of this group in camp, you will hardly be seen on the general parade ground as members of this group receive special treatment from camp officials and camp soldiers.
3. O.B.S (Orientation Broadcasting Service)
Otherwise known as camp radio, this group depending on your state of orientation, sometimes consists mainly of corps members who studied mass communications or related courses or those who are into content creation, photography, videography, and the like.
So, if you fall into this category, O.B.S. is a group you want to volunteer for.
The group is saddled with the responsibility of covering events on camp and broadcasting news. Corps members in this group enjoy similar privileges as those in the Quarter Guard.
4. Flag Party
These are the flag bearers in the orientation camp, and the number ranges from 6-7 members.
These individuals are mostly chosen or volunteered as a result of their good skill on the parade ground. If you have prior experience with brigade or other paramilitary organisations, then you are a good fit for the flag party.
Unlike the first two groups, being a part of this group requires your presence always at the parade and extra time at times to perfect all that is expected of the members of the group during the orientation course.
5. Camp Band
If you are a skilled instrumentalist, then the camp band is a good place to be in.
It is often believed that you don’t necessarily need to know how to play an instrument before you join the camp band but this doesn’t work in all orientation camps as some will do some level of screening for those who volunteer to select those who know how to play musical instruments and discharge those who don’t.
For those playing wind instruments, you should come along with them to camp as they add to the creativity and quality of sound and rhythm produced by the band.
Belonging to this group also exempts you from being a part of the general parade except in instances where the band is needed to perform on the parade ground.
6. Red Cross Team
The Red Cross team on camp is another voluntary group you can join during the NYSC Orientation Course. However, in some camps, preference is given to corp members who studied health courses or related science courses. However, other interested corp members from the various platoons on camp are accepted.
Individuals in this group enjoy the privilege of not taking part in the parade as they are always on the lookout for corps members who may need urgent medical assistance.
7. Cultural Troupe
This group is needed in the camp basically to welcome special guests and during special events. If you find cultural dance interesting, then you should consider joining this group during your orientation course.
In all, your 3-week orientation course is a great opportunity to learn, make new friends, and have an enjoyable time in your state of orientation.
Ensure you have a great time in camp!
