SOUTH PORTLAND — Gov. Paul LePage will join former governore Kenneth Curtis in celebrating Camp Susan Curtis, located in Stoneham, at the annual Camp Susan Curtis Leadership Celebration on Friday, March 16, at the Marriott Sable Oaks.

Supporters from around the state will gather to celebrate the opportunities provided tuition-free to 500 disadvantaged Maine children and youth each summer through Camp Susan Curtis’ outdoor, experiential programming. Reflecting on his own journey from a disadvantaged childhood to the leader of our state, LePage will speak to “Developing Maine’s Next Generation of Leaders,” a fitting topic for the celebration’s 2012 theme of Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Since 1974.

For almost 40 years, Susan Curtis programs have offered life-changing opportunities to more than 14,000 disadvantaged Maine boys and girls:

The event also celebrates the culmination of the Foundation’s Annual Campaign. “Our L.E.A.D. ME Campaign (Leadership Education and Development for Maine) is an essential part of our fundraising efforts,” said Melissa Cilley, executive director, “and will sponsor almost half of the 500 children and teens participating in Camp Susan Curtis programs in 2012.”

Other major fundraising efforts include the Camp Susan Curtis Golf Tournament, this year on Monday, June 11, at Falmouth Country Club, and the Autumn Orchard Fun Ride, hosted by L.L. Bean at its flagship store on Sept. 29.

To sponsor, volunteer or buy tickets, visit www.susancurtisfoundation.org. Registration for the event opens at 6 p.m.