MANCHESTER — They aren't window-washers, Spider-Man, escaped convicts or random thrill-seekers.

The folks you might spy today dangling from ropes strapped to the top of the 20-story Brady Sullivan Tower are individuals and representatives of organizations involved in fundraising for the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts.

“It's a very safe event,” said Tom Farrelly, an executive board member with the Manchester-based council.

The event, called Xtreme Descent, helps provide financial support for Boy Scouting in the state. Some 13,000 Scouts participate in the state.

“We're starting to see growth as parents realize the need to get kids outside,” said Greg Osborn, Daniel Webster Council public relations manager. “They still have to have balance, and can't have the kids locked up inside all day; they get out, they learn and they develop skills.”

Scouting leaders say the technical skills of scouting still reflect the Boy Scout oath that boys have been learning for more than a century.

“It is physical and moral fitness and adventure in a safe environment,” Farrelly said.

Rappelling down the side of the downtown tower continues from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. today. The activity is supervised by Over the Edge, an Atlanta-based company that has sent more than 20,000 people up and down.

Participants are tied to the building superstructure by two independently-anchored ropes, according to company operations manager Tim White.

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