I found each of the women to be credible, one attorney who investigated the reports of abusetold our two reporters. Fancher said the camp had documented instances in which other camp leaders had approached Aarum about his actions. Just after the story published, the camp announced a change for how it will operate this summer, emphasizing the presence of families there and not individual teens. Officials at the Chapel said they were first made aware in 2019 of allegations about Aarums inappropriate behavior at the camp and took that information to the Circle C Ranch board, according to a statement provided to The News and posted on the Chapel's website. youth camp in Delevan, New York, stands accused of sexually assaulting at least twenty-one girls spanning decades. That can be the case in the busiest of news years (ahem, 2020) or on the slowest of news days. 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In early 2021, The Chapel held a members-only meeting to share some of the findings and to announce the church was suspending all activities and financial ties to Circle C Ranch. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. The case has cracked a small window into the inner workings of the Chapel, one of the areas largest and most influential nondenominational Christian churches. There was a problem saving your notification. Waynes brother, Wes, was highly regarded as a minister at the Chapel for many years, as well. Chapel leaders learned a few months later about additional allegations of inappropriate behavior by Aarum during his time as a church staff member from 1991 to 2000. Our Goal: "To reach young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to encourage godliness in their lives, and to send them out as equipped witnesses for His kingdom." If you are new to the Web site, be sure to complete the Sign Up information to receive a password to the private and secured portions of the site. He was an authority figure and an adult; they were teenagers. 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. The Chapel also hired MinistrySafe, an independent legal firm that looks into abuse allegations in Christian settings, to investigate allegations that abuse occurred at The Chapel in the 1990s. There was over 100 acres of good haying land on this property so they had plenty of feed for the horses. Girls, now women, who participated in the investigation said that the behaviors became so normalized that they assumed others, including parents and ministry leaders, knew and approved, Norris wrote in her letter to the state office. You have permission to edit this article. 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 . Percy, as they wanted to call him, was considered by many to be the founder of the Christian Camp Ministry. Circle C Ranch'sboard of trustees said they did their own investigation. He has consistently denied all of the allegations against him. I don't know, but one thing I am sure of is that Taddeo and Silvarole will be ready to write about it. I think some of it, as an adult looking back, it crossed a line, she said. Read the original investigation: These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, Aarum sues The Chapel: Pastor accused of abusing teens sues Buffalo megachurch The Chapel for $2.5M. Aarum, whose late father, Wes Aarum Sr., founded Circle C Ranch in 1968, previously worked as a youth pastor at Buffalo-area megachurch The Chapel in the 1990s. 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. as part of a USA TODAY Network New York investigation, These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, Pastor accused of abusing teens sues Buffalo megachurch The Chapel for $2.5M, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A detailed report written by Norris to State Children and Family Services officials was given Sunday to the 21 women who came forward. The former employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she feared retribution from Aarums family, said the woman came forward because Aarum still has access to kids through his work at Circle C Ranch. But Carnahan said she has made clear on social media who she is and what she alleges Aarum did. Got a story tip or comment? 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. "I wish I had a more accurate way to respond to some of these things people are saying.". These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, He was my identity: How emotional, spiritual abuse creates lasting trauma. Camardo also told the congregation there was no truth to the rumor that the Chapel was attempting to take over operation of the camp. Wondering what your camper will need? Other inappropriate behaviors allegedly occurred during his time as Circle C Ranch director since 2000, although none of the complaints related to behavior within the past five years. Wayne Aarum, a former senior high minister at, in Getzville, New York, current pastor of. Delaware North scores with billboard with Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka, well, you know Pastor accused of touching girls sues Amherst church over allegations, Watch now: Youth pastor, Christian camp director accused of inappropriately touching teen girls, 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. According to a report released by Ministry Safe, Wayne Aarum engaged in the following illicit activities: -stroking legs (outside clothing and on bare skin), -touching vaginal area- outside clothing (in shorts or jeans), -touching, rubbing and stroking breasts, outside clothing, -stroking from hips to breasts, clothed, on the side of the body, -pressing penis into back of girl (hugging from behind), -rubbing penis repeatedly in a girls presence, -extended hug of a partially dressed girl. The membership was advised that the independent investigation credibly confirmed a pattern of inappropriate interaction with young women involved in The Chapel's student ministry in the late 90s and also uncovered ongoing inappropriate interaction with young women not associated with The Chapel who had been involved in the previously referenced local youth camp over the last two decades, The Chapel said in its statement. The work poses many challenges. At least 21 women have come forward to lawyers hired by The Chapel at Crosspoint to probe allegations of inappropriate touching and contact with girls by Wayne Aarum, a former employee of The Chapel who worked there in the 1990s. The owner of this property was George Peterson who was a board member of the Bible Conference Wes directed. After hearing a report of abuse by a former staffer at the Circle C Ranch, The Chapel hired Ministry Safe to conduct an investigation. Aarum also said in a video posted to the Circle C Ranch website this summer that he never received complaints at the time the alleged abuse occurred about his behavior in either positions he's held at The Chapel or at Circle C Ranch. The lawsuit alleges that leadership of The Chapel have become aware of the growing value of the camp property and that Camardo has sought since 2019 to dig up dirt on Aarum, with the aim of hurting his reputation and creating a more favorable board of directors to control the Circle C Ranch camp and the use and disposition of its land.. He continues as First Baptist Church of Arcade pastor and Circle C Ranch director. Sticht said she brought the complaints to Wes Aarum, the brother of Wayne Aarum who was also involved in ministry at the camp. 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 If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. I pledge to you this:TheD&Cteam will do its best to serve Greater Rochester and each of our readers every single day. As Ross Barker said, without Marge we would have never made it. How true! This was maybe 12 or so years ago. The change comes less than a week after publication of aUSA TODAY Networkinvestigation, which found that the camp's director, WayneAarum, fostered improper relationships and touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, some on multiple occasions, according to their firsthand accounts. 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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. Time and again, even as the local news industry has been buffeted for a quarter-century by change, reporting by trained professionals continues tobe a catalyst for positive change in our communities. Marges love for the Lord led her, along with her other jobs, to be the teacher of a womens weekly Bible study. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. Wayne Aarum and his wife, Julie, in an interview with WKBW-TV about allegations that Wayne Aarum inappropriately touched girls and young women while a youth minister at The Chapel and at Circle C Ranch, a Christian camp he runs in Delevan. 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. 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. Judge Rules That Michigan Public University Violated the Rights of Christian Student Group, Citygate Network Seeks Greater Diversity in National Rescue Mission Leadership. Another woman wrote that the hugs were so bad that he proceeded to rub my back and hug me for an uncomfortably long time, and did not let go when I tried to pull away.. Wayne Aarum, a former senior high minister at The Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville, New York, current pastor of First Baptist Church in Arcade, 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. There is absolutely no credibility to any of these things, Dekalb said. Circle C Ranch opened in the late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County. Aarum, 54, denied the allegations and has refused to step down as camp president. The Chapel has thousands of members on its rolls and helped launched several other congregations in Western New York. Families can register online to attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch on either July 9-11 or August 6-8. Pastor accused of touching girls sues Amherst church over allegations. A Christian minister with ties to a Getzville megachurch and a popular Cattaraugus County youth camp stands accused of sexual misconduct with teen girls -- but he denies the allegations. Aarum served at The Chapel, located in the suburb of Getzville in New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of Circle C Ranch. Other inappropriate behaviors allegedly occurred during his time as Circle C Ranch director, since 2000, although none of the complaints related to behavior within the past five years. 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! To honor, Glorify and exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. ORIGINAL STORY:. These persons said they'dwitnessedAarumsactions, or heard aboutthemfrom staff or loved ones. Read their stories. Teenagers have also historically made up the majority of employees at the camp, working as counselors, in the kitchen or in maintenance roles throughout the summers. Aarum, in recent sermons, has compared the accusations to Jesus being crucified by people he helped, as reported by The Roys Report. I remember looking at my friend in pure terror., This woman said that at times Aarum would corner her in the camp and that one time, when she was 15 years old, he told her, youre just so beautiful and guys are going to want to be with you and have sex with you because youre so beautiful., She said, the staff all knew about it. Another alleged victim wrote to the I-Team that the inappropriate contact such as the unsolicited long hugs and hands near or on the breasts and hips were so disturbing that the youth group she was a part of confronted Aarum and his father. An alleged victim who is now 25 and who said she was heavily involved at Circle C said, He would sit next to me and put his hand on my leg and rub my inner thigh and outer thigh. The News reported in April on the allegations and Chapel investigation. ContactSarahat STADDEO@Gannett.com or (585) 258-2774. Anne Stych is a writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. At this age, he began to take care of his health. WAYNE AARUM. Now God would go to work and make this camp a reality. Circle C Ranch released its own investigation of the allegations at The Chapel on the ranch's website in March 2021. In October 2020, they hired MinistrySafe founder Kimberlee Norris, who completed her investigation in December 2020. It takes courage to stand up to The Chapels leadership and demand that they stop spending large amounts of the members money pursuing a broad attack on Wayne Aarum that they believe is factually unsupportable, the statement said. Aarum has denied the allegations and continues to serve on staff at the camp. Wayne S. Aarum claimed in a defamation lawsuit that The Chapel and its executive pastor, John Camardo, engaged in a sustained campaign of . Wayne Aarum, a former senior high minister at The Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville, New York, current pastor of First Baptist Church in Arcade, 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 spanning decades. A copy of the report, which was obtained by 7 Eyewitness News, stated: In the course of the MinistrySafe investigation, these behaviors were communicated: -stroking legs (outside clothing and on bare skin), -touching vaginal area- outside clothing (in shorts or jeans), -touching, rubbing and stroking breasts, outside clothing, -stroking from hips to breasts, clothed, on the side of the body, -pressing penis into back of girl (hugging from behind), -rubbing penis repeatedly in a girls presence, -extended hug of a partially dressed girl", The report stated that 27 people came forward to corroborate some of the alleged behaviors, including hand rubbing inside of thighfailing to honor preference NOT to be touched and meeting 1/1 with girls late into the night.. Norris runs MinistrySafe, which provides training and screening to prevent child sex abuse in churches, camps, youth sports and other settings. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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 is why we're suspicious of these charges. In a written response to the allegations posted on its website, Circle C leaders defended Aarum, saying he has been systematically denied the right of every person in the American systemto know and confront accusers, and alleged that The Chapels leadership turned to social media influencers and the pastors of other churches to help distribute its anonymous claims., The leaders said sponsoring anonymous claims is directly counter to the Bibles specific teachings., In another documentone of seven on the siteCircle C accused the Chapel, a megachurch with an enormous budget, well over $12 million annually, of trying to acquire the Ranchs property, a very choice 315 acres of rural land, by demanding a board restructuring to exclude members of the family that began the Ranch in 1968 and has run it ever since.. Oh, and if you have a good story tip, on any subject, please let us know. Many of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused. That man was Mr. Ross Barker a businessman from Toronto. When told it was for a youth camp, Bob wrote out a check for the amount needed. Read the full story from News Staff Reporter Jay Tokasz. 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. That investigation found more than 20 women who said Wayne Aarum touched them inappropriately or fostered inappropriate and abusive relationships with them, both at The Chapel in the 1990s and later at Circle C Ranch, according to a report prepared by MinistrySafe investigator Kimberlee Norris. To more or less prime the pump?. "Wayne has ministered to thousands and thousands of kids over the years, and we never heard anything from anybody.". Your support allows us to continue to produce quality journalism, week in and week out. My byline has run in the Ithaca Journal, USA Today, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times. I can honestly say no., Aarum added, Did someone contact them before MinistrySafe did? I can honestly say no.. That was of the Lord. It makes a difference to people of all backgrounds and life experiences. I think she is in a place in her life where shes ready to come forward, the former employee said. To make a donation,click here. The investigation yielded an extraordinary amount of corroborating evidence from third party sources, most of whom were former staff members. Keeping his hands on their bodies way too long when it wasnt necessary at all.. "Waynes work prevents teenage suicides, avoids teen pregnancies, postpones too-young marriages, helps confront bullying at school, teaches how to respond appropriately to parents and authority figures, how to survive peer pressure, and how to defend their faith in a kind, positive way, the board said. In late 2019, allegations of abuse against Aarum began picking up momentum when Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer who worked there in 2006, shared her story with leadership at The Chapel. Finally, the notion that the allegations were planted or suggested by counselors or social workers is patently absurd.". 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. He has the backing of the camps board of trustees, which released a response to Norris report stating that there is no substantial evidence supporting the claims. Bill wanted to make sure that every building was winterized so the camp could operate year round. Prior to becoming director of Circle C Ranch, Aarum worked as a youth pastor atBuffalo-area megachurch The Chapel in the 1990s. Im not anonymous, she said. It all started in the heart of an evangelist named Wes Aarum. As an evangelist eh spoke at many youth camps during the summer and that desire to starta a camp grew even stronger. Circle C Ranch Director Wayne Aarum filed a $2.5M lawsuit against The Chapel the same day the USA Today Network reported abuse allegations by former camp staffers. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Hannah Buehler reports. In one letter, the board accused the Chapels executive pastor, John Camardo, of defamation. I have zero recollection of that. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Daryl Dekalb, a Circle C board director, says that Aarum is a True Christian. Aarums denials prompted Elle Campbell to post on Twitter that she was one of the 21+ victims and 27+ corroborators who were interviewed for Norris report. Aarum is seeking $3.1 million in damages. Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. We all knew starting on Monday -- when the campers arrived -- we all could pick out which of our girls were going to receive the most attention, be the favorite and the ones we would keep an eye on, Heather Sticht, a former employee of the camp, said in an interview with 7 Eyewitness News. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. The Circle C Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation governed by a seven member Board of Directors. Chapel leaders say they began hearing troubling allegations about Aarum in October 2019 and again in February 2020. It was 50 miles south of Buffalo, NY on a 315 acre piece of land that had been a farm. Investigation: 16 women say this pastor and camp president abused them. Its a thrill to see what God has done over the years. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 10451 Ashcraft Rd Delevan, NY 14042 One of America's most exciting Christian Camps. It is important for you to know that both The Chapel leadership and MinistrySafe have found the allegations to be credible, and we continue to stand with those who have courageously come forward, Chapel leadership said Friday in a statement posted to the churchs website. Campbell declined to comment further when contacted by The News. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. Circle C stands for "Christ Centered" which is the purpose and continues to be the driving force. "Circle C Ranch would ultimately determine the initial allegations were false through its own internal investigation. In an interview in March with WKBW-TV, Aarum said he had "zero recollection" of touching anyone inappropriately. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. That was of the Lord. As a result of her abuse, Snell experienced mental and psychological effects, including fear and anxiety that have required professional treatment, the lawsuit alleges. "Due to Covid Restrictions we have decided to pour all of our resources into our family camp weekends," the website reads. In a letter to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Norris outlined dozens of alleged incidents connected with the youth group and the camp, including Aarum touching girls intimately, saying intimate things to them, and entering cabins while girls were changing clothes. According to a report released by Ministry Safe. What else might develop? Kens wife Joann was an R.N and she worked in a local hospital to help support them while the camp was being built. Some things have changed but these three things will never change! Getzville in New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of Circle C Ranch. The suit is seeking more than $2.5 million in damages for "harm to reputation, mental anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, and emotional injury," as well as an additional $625,000 in financial damages, according to court filings. Other alleged inappropriate behaviors are mentioned in the report. 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. People brought this to his attention. Yet for decades this alleged abuse continuedeven though leadership at both The Chapel and Circle C Ranch were confronted about Aarum's conduct at least 20 times in the past 24 years. Camps are also required to collect information about the vaccination status of each camper and staff member, and perform health screenings upon arrival. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Aarum, whose family has run the camp for decades and who is also listed as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Arcade, denied the allegations in an interview with 7 Eyewitness News. I have never touched anyone with any inappropriate motive," Aarum said in an email to USA TODAY Network reporters on April 28, 2021. It finally became a reality when in 1968 he found the property where God wanted him to start that camp. Georgie Silvarole/USA TODAY Network New York People reported his alleged behavior to camp officials and church leaders over 20 times since 1997. . At 18 years of age he was the lifeguard at Pine brook, a very unique teen camp in Pennsylvania whose founder was Percy Crawford. In the interests of fairness, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum. 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. Drew Silleman. 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. 7 Eyewitness News has also heard from more than a dozen people who have reached out to defend Aarum. My youth group never went back to Circle C.. Little id any of us realize what a blessing that would be, as the Winter Snow Camps have brought in thousands of campers with hundreds of them accepting Christ.. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. Nothing happened. Now there was a need for the total of $40,000 to get things moving. Bob asked what it was for? Two other days, July 3 and 31, are designated as "Family Fun Days," according to the website. If I have offended you, I will apologize, he said during a church service in April. He wanted to give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the construction of the town. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. It would have all the mystique of the Old West and it would look like a town in the 1800s. Some church members objected to what they considered a lack of disclosure earlier about the allegations against Aarum, while others suggested the investigation was tilted against Aarum. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. Aarum recently tested positive for Covid-19 and was seriously ill. Its common for women as they get along in lifeto see how their lives are not going well and when they sit down, like with a social workerand they start hearing stuff from a social worker that says to them, Well, have you ever had something in your life where maybe this is set off, the condition that youre in now?. An internal investigation earlier this year by Texas attorney Kimberlee Norris found 21 women who alleged Aarum touched them inappropriately when they were teenagers or young women. In a March 26 interview with Buffalo TV station WKBWs 7 Eyewitness News Aarum said he had not been given the opportunity to defend himself by MinistrySafe and that witnesses who supported him had not been interviewed. "Circle C Ranch is aware of allegations raised against our President. Pine brook was a great soul-winning camp and that summer hundreds of teens accepted Christ. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. and we are celebrating 10 years of building community through these great events. Percy, as he wanted to be called, was considered by many as the founder of the Christian Camping Ministry.
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