More than three-dozen teenagers from Camp Susan Curtis toured the University of Southern Maine earlier today, during an event meant to help break down barriers between low-income students and higher education.

The tour was the first "Camp to Campus" excursion, one Curtis leaders hope will become an annual event.

A total of 40 counselors-in-training stopped at dorms, checked out the college's planetarium and attended a leadership lunch with Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson and Unum executive Sonja Bowie -- a former Curtis camper -- at USM's Portland and Gorham campuses.

The event was meant to acquaint the would-be counselors with college life -- eliminating the intimidation that may prevent them from applying, said Alan Cartwright, executive director of the Susan L. Curtis Foundation, which runs summer camps for low-income children at Trout Lake and Kezar Lake in Oxford County.

"They actually picture themselves there," Cartwright said of the teenagers.

Camp directors hope to bring the group to a different college campus each year. They have not yet decided which college to visit next year.

Cartwright said Samuelson suggested a trip to her alma mater, Bowdoin College, next year.