Advice on Convincing Parents

[skitty]

Hi. I am a member of Girl Guides of Canada, and they are hosting a national camp in 2010 to celebrate their 100th birthday. I'll be 17 in 2010 and I would have just graduated. I have the money to pay for it, but my parents will not let me go, mostly because I live in Alberta, and the camp is in Ontario. I am responsible and I know my priorities, but they don't want me to go. The itenerary for the camp isn't available yet (It's not available until next year) and transportation to Ontario isn't provided unless a sufficient number of girls from the area sign up.
There are a limited number of spots and registration is open, but my dad says that I shouldn't register for something two years in advance.
When I bring it up, my mom always asks, "Why do you want to go so badly?" Mostly, I reply by saying something like, "I never get to go anywhere outside of Alberta." She replies by saying I actually do get to go everywhere (we have a lakehouse and we go there every weekend during the summer, plus I go on a lot of school trips to other cities in Alberta, usually no more than 3 hours away and not overnight. I have been to other Girl Guide camps in Alberta that are overnight, but for those I my guide leader had to convince her).
I think the reason they won't let me go is because there are no other girls from my unit going. I don't see it as a problem, but I'm not sure what to tell her or my dad. What do I do?
Thanks for any advice!

[maracle]

Do you just need permission, or money as well?

[mish99]

You will probably find that they are saying no because of your age now...but alot can change in 2 years. I would suggest just leaving it for a little while, at least until the itinerary is out next year. Unless you need to sign up now?? When I was going to the uk, my parents were way against it! But I got all the details, sorted out money etc...and then 'sat' them down and laid it all on the table and explained. I asked them just to think about it and they actually said yes!!! Maybe you should try something like that? Get all details and show them that youve thought it through and when you get the itinerary, show it to them, they might feel better knowing what youll be up to and where youll be. Sorry, thats all I got for now.....

[Thetraveler]

As mentioned, if you don't have to sign up yet it might be best to just wait. Two years is still a ways away and lots of time for them to change their mind. Just keep saving your money, show them you are responsible and can handle being away from home (its still Canada! only a few provinces away).

Plus you will be 17 and graduated, probably close to being 18. You can make your own decisions by then, as long as you have the money and the plane ticket you are good to go.

Good luck!