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Down Syndrome Welfare Club organised its first overnight trip to Zainabad for adolescents and adults with DS on the 6th & 7th October, 2018. The safe, unconditionally accepting and highly stimulating environment encouraged subtle learning with loads of fun for both the children and their parents. The entire trip was planned by Dr Nina Vaidya.22 persons from various cities like Jamnagar, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Mumbai, Navsari, Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad, accompanied by a parent each, started off from Ahmedabad at 7am on the 6th. The joy and exuberance was unbelievable and palpable days before we actually embarked on the trip!The trip encouraged bonding and a feeling of belonging for all. Mothers could unwind and healthy interactions and discussions ensued. The children got a feel of community living, sharing, adjusting and accommodating, supporting each other and developing new friendships.We were warmly welcomed and accommodated by Shri Dhanraj Malik and his staff at the Desert Coursers. A jeep safari to the desert, the wild asses or Gudkhars, flamingos, the milky way lighting the dark sky, the peaceful rural environment with tasty fresh meals and the company of friends was extremely relaxing for everyone. The girls and boys were accommodated in two comfortable dormitories with an adult each and the mothers were accommodated in separate cottages in groups of 4.Activities, planned and conducted under the guidance of Dr Nina Vaidya, stimulated learning about handling different situation, appliances and change in routines….were all done by the children and parents as skits and demonstrations. Music, dance, games and yoga session added to the fun and learning.On our way back we visited the Sun temple at Modhera.We were back to Ahmedabad on the 7th evening, happy and with demands for the next trip from excited children.