Honouring a Legacy: Five Years of the Leslie J. Cornwell Camp Leadership Award
- YMCA of Three Rivers
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Twenty-two years ago, twins Andrew and Ryan Paulley were dropped off for their first day at YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y. What began as a childhood adventure blossomed into over a decade of leadership at Camp Ki-Wa-Y and Camp Belwood. In 2022, they marked their final summer as camp staff, closing a chapter filled with mentorship, growth, and lifelong friendships. Their love of camp was sparked by their mother, Leslie J. Cornwell, who herself grew up attending YMCA camps in Winnipeg and later became a counselor at YMCA Camp Stephens. Camp shaped Ryan and Andrew and it all started with their mom. She believed in the power of camp to build character and community, something the whole family has come to cherish.
Tragically, Leslie passed away in May 2020 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In the wake of this loss, Andrew and Ryan reflected on the profound influence their mother had on their lives and camp journeys. Determined to honour her legacy, they partnered with the YMCA to establish the Leslie J. Cornwell Camp Leadership Award.
Now in its fifth year, the award is presented annually to four outstanding young staff members from across the YMCA of Three Rivers overnight camps who demonstrate exemplary leadership and impact within their camp communities. Each recipient receives $500 to support their post-secondary education, helping them continue their journey of growth and service beyond the campgrounds. Over the years the award has supported 14 staff, and given out $7000, inspiring a new generation of camp leaders.
The award has become a powerful symbol of encouragement and recognition. Past recipients have gone on to lead staff training initiatives, champion diversity and inclusion efforts, and mentor new counselors. Their contributions have strengthened the fabric of YMCA camps and inspired others to lead with compassion and integrity.
Reflecting on the award’s impact, Caitie Wright, Vice President of Outdoor Services for the YMCA of Three Rivers, shared:
“The Leslie J. Cornwell Camp Leadership Award has become a beacon of encouragement for our young staff. It’s more than a recognition—it’s a promise that their contributions matter and that their growth is supported. We are deeply grateful to Glenn, Ryan, and Andrew for their vision and generosity. Their support has empowered dozens of young leaders to step into their potential and carry forward the spirit of camp leadership that Leslie so passionately championed.”
Glenn Paulley, Leslie’s husband, are offered his reflection:
“Leslie was a tremendous advocate of YMCA camps and we canoed together through many trips in Manitoba, Ontario, and in the USA. As a family, we can think of no better way to honour her memory than with these leadership awards as Leslie, and now Ryan and Andrew, know how much the Y camps experience helps to grow young people into leaders. We are tremendously grateful to the executive leadership team at the Three Rivers YMCA for partnering with us in administering these awards to deserving camp staff as they continue with their post-secondary education. The award’s endowment fund continues to grow, and we intend to look for additional ways to support the Three Rivers YMCA Camps Branch in future years.”
As the award enters its sixth year, the YMCA invites the community to join Andrew and Ryan’s vision by donating to the fund.
Every contribution helps sustain a legacy of leadership, learning, and love, values that Leslie held dear and that continue to shape the future of camp.