The family camp experience includes activities likechapel services, all-you-can-eat meals, horseback riding, laser tag androck wall climbing, according to the website, andfamilies will stay overnight together in the camp's on-site lodging. She said upon receiving the letter that was sent by MinistrySafe to survivors on Sunday, she has been sick to my stomach ever since.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After hearing a report of abuse by a former staffer at the Circle C Ranch, The Chapel hired Ministry Safe to conduct an investigation. and we are celebrating 10 years of building community through these great events. Aarum is seeking $3.1 million in damages. This website was created for residents in order to provide you with more convenience and opportunities to share ideas and information; get news and announcements; access an online resource center for important The investigation yielded an extraordinary amount of corroborating evidence from third party sources, most of whom were former staff members. In the interests of fairness, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum. Mr. Barker became the Vice-president and chairman fo the Circle C Ranch Board adn has worked with Wes in that capacity up to this very day. Thursday, April 8, 2021. Last week, Aarum filed a civil lawsuit against The Chapel alleging defamatory statements. "Due to Covid Restrictions we have decided to pour all of our resources into our family camp weekends," the website reads. The News reported in April on the allegations and Chapel investigation. I can honestly say no.. A former camper and staff member at Circle C Ranch,a Christian camp in Cattaraugus County, has filed a lawsuit against the camp and its president, Wayne Aarum, accusing Aarum of grooming and sexually victimizing her between the ages of 9 and 16. Holding a crusade in a town nearby Wes was introduced to a man named Bill Daily who worked construction and was also a master stone worker. In May, New York set COVID-19 rules and restrictions for summer camps to operate after sleep-away camps were forced to close last year. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. I still dont know, although they have accused me and pretty much condemned me, I dont know what Im accused of, Aarum said. Campbell declined to comment further when contacted by The News. "He totally denies any wrongdoing whatsoever," said Dekalb, who is also a former member of the Chapel board. It makes a difference to people of all backgrounds and life experiences. Pastor accused of touching girls sues Amherst church over allegations. When you are a leader of a church and somebody comes to you and says somebody on your staff abused kids while he was on your staff, what would you expect him to do? the speaker said. The camps parent corporation, Living Waters Ministries, said in response: At the outset, a flat statement: Wayne Aarum, the Operations Director of the Circle C Ranch, never engaged in any of the conduct described in Ms. Norriss report.. READ THE FULL INVESTIGATION:These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, Lasting trauma:He was my identity: How emotional, spiritual abuse creates lasting trauma. The longtime director of a Christian youth camp in Delevan is refusing to step down despite complaints that he inappropriately touched young women and girls at the camp and when he was a youth pastor in the 1990s at one of the areas largest churches. Investigation: 16 women say this pastor and camp president abused them. The church hired Norris last October to investigate. Reporters also tried to contactRonald Snell,a longtime friend of Wes Aarum Sr. andCircle C board member for a short period, whowas also present at the meeting. Through all this, Aarum remains as the Circle C camp president today. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Aarums lawsuit was filed by Amherst attorneys Steven K. Long and Olivia T. Paulo-Lee on Wednesday, the same day the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle published a detailed account quoting several other women who alleged inappropriate contact. Officials at the Chapel said they were first made aware in 2019 of allegations about Aarum's inappropriate behavior at the camp and took that information to the Circle C Ranch board, according . Both of the local jurisdictions that were contacted in this investigation had determined that, given the passage of time (in some cases) or the nature of non-criminal allegations (in others), the allegations are not believed to be subject to criminal prosecution, they stated on The Chapel website. Hed get uncomfortably close to my face, and I remember thinking as a teenager about the tension of him being so close to my face, like is he trying to kiss me? said Carnahan, who now lives near Tampa and works in a restaurant. He continues as First Baptist Church of Arcade pastor and Circle C Ranch director. It made me mad watching the interview., Aarum, reached by phone denies that and all the allegations, saying again he wants the opportunity to talk with "anyone who has a problem with him. These persons said they'dwitnessedAarumsactions, or heard aboutthemfrom staff or loved ones. Read their stories. Drew Silleman. The camp was going to be a western town called Circle C Ranch (Circle C standing for Christ centered) and it would be legally owned by the Lord. But she said that it is important that parents be aware of the allegations when making decisions about their kids. Aarum filed a lawsuit against The Chapel on June 2, 2021, accusing the churchs executive pastor, John Camardo, of defamation, saying statements related to the allegations against him were used to damage his reputation and his ability to do business, according to Aarums filing. Such stories cannot be rushed. If you are interested in helping out please fill out the application below! The accused, Wayne Aarum, is the director of Circle C Ranch camp in Delevan, New York. Victims come forward in Circle C sexual-misconduct case. After Bible School, University and Seminary Wes went full time into the Lords work. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how this . Website Terms & Conditions | CCHOA Privacy Policy| Social Media Policy | Feedback, Copyright 2015 2022 Circle C Ranch HOA | Design by Austin Web Design.com, South West Austin Toastmasters Welcomes Circle C Residents, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_C_Ranch. I pledge to you this:TheD&Cteam will do its best to serve Greater Rochester and each of our readers every single day. I, myself, personally 20 years ago sat down with Mr. Wes (Wayne Aarums father) and said, I love Wayne with all my heart, but I saw him interact in a way that was just inappropriate. , Fancher said he also has heard firsthand accounts from women who are truly victims.. Aarum denied such behavior last week, saying, I can tell you right now I never did thatand I would love an opportunity to talk to them.. Its all lightweight stuff theyre bringing up anyway, Dekalb said. Former Chapel minister, Circle C youth camp director denies sexual misconduct Report stated 21 women have made allegations A Christian minister with ties to a Getzville megachurch and a popular. To make a donation,click here. Georgie Silvarole/USA TODAY Network New York People reported his alleged behavior to camp officials and church leaders over 20 times since 1997. Norris also wrote to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services with a list of dozens of inappropriate actions alleged against Aarum, including entering cabins without knocking or announcing himself, while girls were changing clothes; meeting alone with girls in his office after lights out; whispering intimate statements to girls, such as I love you and You are so beautiful; and giving back massages that included rubbing of girls buttocks. Chapel leaders say they began hearing troubling allegations about Aarum in October 2019 and again in February 2020. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber. OPTION 2: Form your OWN GROUP (Adult supervisors will be responsible for the students they bring) TO REGISTER OR ASK QUESTIONS: Click Here! It matters in cities. There was a problem saving your notification. Snell could not be reachedafterrepeated attempts, including a letter to his home, phone calls and an email to his wife.". ONE WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP Circle C Ranch 2023 Rate $345 WEEK 1: July 10th-15th (Monday - Saturday) WEEK 2: July 17th-22nd (Monday - Saturday) All meals included All lodging included All activities included REGISTER HERE FOR THE BEST WEEK EVER! As you've read, Taddeo and Silvarole spent months speaking to 16 women who described inappropriate and uncomfortable encounters with the man who hasbeen camp director or president for many years at Circle C Ranch. Over the last year, we have shared several updates regarding our response to the allegations brought to us of inappropriate behavior of Wayne Aarum, a former employee of The Chapel, current President of Circle C Ranch (a youth camp in the Western New York region) and Pastor at First Baptist Church of Arcade. Delaware North scores with billboard with Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka, well, you know Police release names of victims in Millersport Highway crash in Amherst, Man accused of fatally shooting co-worker arraigned on second-degree murder charge, Buffalo Police with search warrant seize drugs, guns, arrest four, 5 years after Buffalo Diocese sex abuse scandal erupted, victims still waiting for compensation, Two men arrested in the Southtowns after chase and search, More than 300 words have been added to the English dictionary, Citizens travel to Peru's capitol Lima to protest against Boluarte, Senators react to the end of emergency SNAP benefits, Russia accuses U.S. of intent to use chemical weapons in Ukraine. A few months later Wes realized he needed $10,000 more. Click here to read the internal investigation report provided by Circle C Ranch. New York, and the operator of Circle C Ranch youth camp in Delevan, New York, stands accused of sexually assaulting at least twenty-one girls in the 1990s. I am who I am. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. I found each of the women to be credible; patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed. Getzville in New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of Circle C Ranch. Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. $10- ages 10+ $5- ages under 10 It would have board-walks, hitching rails, a Sheriffs office with two cells, an old country store, a dining hall, a chapel, cabins that could accommodate 192 campers plus 32 counselors, a swimming hole (pond) and a corral that contained a herd of horses. Report stated 21 women have made allegations. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how thisinvestigation was conducted and who conducted it. A USA TODAY Network Investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. The USA TODAY Network New York found that concerns about Aarum's behavior with girls were reported to leadership at both The Chapel and Circle C Ranch, and also to Aarum himself, at least 20 times since 1997, according to excerpts from the employee personnel file and interviews with youth group members at The Chapel, Circle C staff and pastors in the Western New York area. As a result of her abuse, Snell experienced mental and psychological effects, including fear and anxiety that have required professional treatment, the lawsuit alleges. Follow heronTwitter @Sjtaddeo. Aarum has denied the allegations and continues to serve on staff at the camp. Snells lawsuit alleges that Circle C Ranch failed to investigate claims against Aarum in a timely fashion and report findings about his conduct, and failed to terminate him in light of his inappropriate and predatory actions and behaviors with minors, according to the paperwork. Circle C stands for "Christ Centered" which is the purpose and continues to be the. As an evangelist eh spoke at many youth camps during the summer and that desire to starta a camp grew even stronger. The accounts of the women, describing incidents involving Wayne Aarum that took place when they were Circle C Ranch campers, are troubling and concerning. Wayne Aarum, a former senior high minister at, in Getzville, New York, current pastor of. For months, The Chapel facilitated conversations between women like McDonald, who say they were abused by Aarum,and the Circle C Ranch board of directors. Wondering what your camper will need? Former Chapel minister, Circle C youth camp director denies sexual misconduct 3,079 views Mar 26, 2021 A Christian minister with ties to a Getzville megachurch and a popular Cattaraugus. Circle C Ranch, the Christian children's camp in western New York facing allegations that its director has inappropriately touched teenage girls, announced drastic changes to its summer. I remember a lot of hugs lasting a little too long.. Attorney Steven Long of Williamsvillelaw firm Long & Paulo-Lee, PLLC, who represents Aarum, did not immediately return requests for comment. Camardo also told the congregation there was no truth to the rumor that the Chapel was attempting to take over operation of the camp. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Sabres place Alex Tuch on injured reserve; top-line winger's status is uncertain, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone. He was born in Buffalo, NY into a godly family and at 17 years of age accepted Christ into his life. Powered by Kenny & Elle Campbell and friends of victims of abuse. My evaluation of credibility is based upon 30 years of past experience interacting with fact witnesses and abuse survivors. Percy, as he wanted to be called, was considered by many as the founder of the Christian Camping Ministry. They have been a team that Gdo brought together. Nothing happened. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. Michael Kilian is executive editor of the Democrat and Chronicle. Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) Three days after sexual misconduct allegations were raised about a Cattaraugus County youth camp director -- allegations the camp director denied -- additional women have come forward to say that they either witnessed or experienced as teenagers inappropriate sexual contact by Wayne Aarum. Wayne S. Aarum claimed in a defamation lawsuit that The Chapel and its executive pastor, John Camardo, engaged in a sustained campaign of . Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Keeping his hands on their bodies way too long when it wasnt necessary at all.. Litigator Kimberlee Norris, the co-founder of Ministry Safe, a Christian sexual misconduct investigative and prevention service, said 21 women told her in interviews Aarum had touched them inappropriately, with incidents dating back to when he was a youth minister at The Chapel at Crosspoint, a megachurch in the Buffalo area. Daryl Dekalb, a Circle C Ranch Board Member, appeared to place blame on the women who have come forward, even though leaders at The Chapel have described them as credible and courageous. For an overview of the site and a few ideas as to how it can help save you time and get you connected with your community, click About Our Website. Now there was a need for the total of $40,000 to get things moving. Shortly after her graduation they were married. In its response to Norris' report, the Circle C Ranch board suggests that the volume of complaints against Aarum was related to the work he did, often with troubled teenagers. The lawsuit alleges The Chapel's executive pastor, John Camardo, used the abuse allegations against Aarum as a way to damage Aarum'sreputation and ability to conduct business, according to the filings. There was over 100 acres of good haying land on this property so they had plenty of feed for the horses. I have never had any sexual interaction with anyone other than my wife. That man was Mr. Ross Barker a businessman from Toronto. When he gave Bob a call, he said I suppose the same terms as before and then he wrote out a check fo the amount. Ross had been a board member of Canadian Youth for Christ when Wes had been the President and was such a blessing to that ministry. And of course if you have any questions please email us or call the office at info@circlecranch.org or (716) 492-3687. We have TWO options for bringing campers to Snow Camp. information shared on its website on Monday. Click here to read the internal investigation. I dont want any more children to be affected. 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