Early Friday, Charles Denmead and his 11-year-old son, Michael, boarded a bus that would take them camping -- not to the woods of Western Maryland, but to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
"Last month we were hiking along the C & O Canal, and a few weeks later we're going to Manhattan. That's quite a spectrum of experiences," said Mr. Denmead, whose son is a member of Boy Scout Troop 381 in Westminster.
The two were among 47 Scouts and fathers who spent the night in the New York landmark at the invitation of Helmsley-Spear Inc., the company that manages the 102-story skyscraper and its two observation towers.
"This is the 31st year we've had the Boy Scout sleep over," said Terri Wilenta, assistant manager of the building's observatories.
Every year the company selects a local troop and an out-of-state troop, Ms. Wilenta said.
The Westminster group was joined by Troop 414 from Center Moriches, Long Island.
"When the boys arrive, we give them a tour of the building and explain its history. Then we take them to the 80th floor for dinner and a chance to get to know each other," she said.
A day of sightseeing before their arrival at the building included visits to the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, the Hayden Planetarium and the World War II aircraft carrier Intrepid.
On Friday evening, the Scouts spread out their sleeping bags over about 1,300 square feet reserved for them on the 86th floor.
"The observatories are open to visitors until midnight, but we cordon off the West Lounge just for [the Scouts]," Ms. Wilenta said.
About 10 to 15 troops apply for the camp-out each year. Winners are selected based on merit. Scout leaders are asked to provide a detailed history of the troop, its public service activities, and a statement explaining why it deserves to win.
The Westminster Scouts owe their good fortune to Scoutmaster John J. Rush Sr., who prepared an application every year for the past five. This year, persistence paid off. He described it as an "exhaustive process," but worth the time and effort. "For the kids who've never been to New York, it's a thrill," said Mr. Rush, who has led the troop for the past 25 years.
Each Scout and adult chaperon paid $50 to go on the trip -- but that barely covered the $1,300 rental fee for the bus. Mr. Rush said fund-raisers, such as the troop's citrus fruit sale this month, help provide the money for meals and admission to museums and historical sites.
Paul W. Tyng, an eighth-grade student at Westminster West Middle School, expressed excitement about the trip last week.
"I think it'll be fun. I've never been in the Empire State Building at night and I've always wanted to see what it looked like," he said.
Mr. Denmead, 47, was equally enthusiastic. "The first time I went to New York, I was a year older than Mike," he said, referring to his son. "I remember being very impressed at that age.
"I think Mike will appreciate the landmarks and sights and sounds of New York. I'm really glad he's been given the opportunity to go."
Gavin Bouma, 11, a seventh-grader at East Middle School, said he hoped to bring back a model of the skyscraper as a souvenir.
Last week, Mr. Rush said he was eager to see how the boys interact with the Scouts from Long Island.
"There is quite a difference in the lifestyle between Long Island and Westminster -- it should be interesting," he said.