The Circle C Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation governed by a seven member Board of Directors. The accused, Wayne Aarum, is the director of Circle C Ranch camp in Delevan, New York. I worked in the ministry, my wife and I have worked in this ministry, all of those same years that theyre talking about. Aarum, 55,remains in his position as director of Circle C Ranch. 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. In one letter, the board accused the Chapels executive pastor, John Camardo, of defamation. 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. Sarah Taddeo is an enterprisereporter for USA Today Network's New York State Team. The work poses many challenges. Aarum left his role at The Chapel in 2000. Many of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused. Aarum is seeking $3.1 million in damages. He bought drugs on this website https://terrace-healthcare.com/news/generic-cialis.html. 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. It matters in suburbs. The allegations also were referred to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating, according to Sgt. A number of women former high school youth group members under Aarums leadership brought allegations of sexual and emotional abuse against Aarum from that time period earlier this year. She also said Aarum on occasion grabbed her from behind and pulled his pelvis tight to her body. . 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. In her lawsuit, Snell accused Circle C Ranch and its parent organization, Living Waters Ministries, of negligently retaining Aarum on staff and thus allowing him unfettered and unsupervised access to minors on the campgrounds and during other activities, according to the court filing. It is a credit to Taddeo's and Silvarole's reporting that they did everything humanly possible to find out more about what has occurred over the years at Circle C. Ranch. The conduct was at times private and at other times out in the open when other camp staffers would be able to witness it, according to Snells lawsuit. ORIGINAL STORY:. INVESTIGATION: 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, More: Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. As an evangelist eh spoke at many youth camps during the summer and that desire to starta a camp grew even stronger. But Carnahan said she has made clear on social media who she is and what she alleges Aarum did. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Shortly after her graduation they were married. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. The owner of this property was George Peterson who was a board member of the Bible Conference Wes directed. Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. Yet the information reporters learn has to be vetted as well as it can be, too. Nothing happened. For his part, Aarum denies the claimsand defends his conduct, saying in an email, "I have never touched anyone with any inappropriate motive.". Its a thrill to see what God has done over the years. DeKalb suggested that the allegations were part of a campaign by Chapel leaders to acquire the youth camp. Chelsea Carnahan, 28, recounted how Aarum would stroke her back and hair, hold her hand and touch her legs during one-on-one counseling sessions and talks when she was a Pioneer High School student from 2006 to 2010. Youth pastor, Christian camp director accused of inappropriately touching teen girls. 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. In investigative journalism, it's vital reporters show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. 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. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how this . 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. WAYNE AARUM. Aarum has denied any wrongdoing, and he told his congregation in April that he never intended to offend anyone with his remarks or actions. 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. There was over 100 acres of good haying land on this property so they had plenty of feed for the horses. 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. 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. 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. Bill wanted to make sure that every building was winterized so the camp could operate year round. That's a Christian camp for young people nearDelevan, New York, a village southeast of Buffalo and southwest of Rochester. On week ends there would be scores of men donating their time to help build the camp and Wes wife Marge was kept very busy feeding all these volunteers. It was decided that he should be contacted and asked for a loan of $30,000. Email:[emailprotected] 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. $10- ages 10+ $5- ages under 10 If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Earlier this week, Circle C Ranch staff members said the camp is open to house Afghan refugees arriving on U.S. soil after fleeing the Talibans takeover in the country, according to the story from WIVB in Buffalo. Specifically, in a portion of the story about Circle C's legal counsel having recommended at a meeting that Aarum resign, they took these steps: "The USA TODAY NETWORKreached out to Wayne Aarum, his son Josh Aarum, andboard members Daryl Dekalb and Wes Aarum Jr.for comment specifictothis matter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. While holding a crusade in Erie, PA Wes met a man named George Mckinley who asked him who was doing the plumbing for the camp? She also attended First Baptist Church of Arcade, where Aarum is pastor, and volunteered at the Circle C Ranch in the winter. 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. 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. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Miracle after Miracle, God has provided for Circle C Ranch and as long as God continues to provide, we will continue to serve Him! 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. Circle "C" Ranch is a christian youth camp about an hour south of Buffalo New York, the setting is very unique in the fact that it is themed in the 18 See more 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. OPTION 2: Form your OWN GROUP (Adult supervisors will be responsible for the students they bring) TO REGISTER OR ASK QUESTIONS: Click Here! Through all this, Aarum remains as the Circle C camp president today. There was documentation of people going to Wayne and saying, Hey listen, like, we love you, but you need to be careful of this.' 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. Aarum denies the allegations against him and continues to operate the Circle C Ranch. Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. Now God would go to work and make this camp a reality. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial, according to the court filing. Got a story tip or comment? Thursday, April 8, 2021. 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. The state's rules allow for the camps to operate with different restrictions for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, with campers over the age of five required to wear masks and maintain social distancing in most situations. 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. One of America's most exciting Christian Camps. Last week's investigation by USA TODAY Network New York State Team reporters Sarah Taddeo and Georgie Silvarole is just such an example. {{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. They travelled over 100 miles one way every weekend until the job as done and then they donated all the fixtures as well. We've seen nothing, heard nothing, and they're operating from an anonymous standpoint with everybody, and we believe they have an agenda to take over the ranch," Dekalb added. When the camp went to pay Bob back he made it a gift to the ministry. 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. And at its best, local journalism reveals truths that leaders and institutions of importance would much prefer remain hidden. 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 . Aarum and his supporters have maintained that he is unable to properly address claims being brought against him because he doesnt know who has made them. Campbell declined to comment further when contacted by The News. It was 50 miles south of Buffalo, NY on a 315 acre piece of land that had been a farm. It is very difficult to do this kind of work successfully from across the room. Carnahan said she was not among the 21 unidentified women cited in the investigative report. WHAT TO BRING: WHAT NOT TO BRING: They spoke to Aarum, who denied any wrongdoing, according to the Chapel's statement. We have TWO options for bringing campers to Snow Camp. Now there was a need for the total of $40,000 to get things moving. I think some of it, as an adult looking back, it crossed a line, she said. I dont want any more children to come through his camp.. After Bible School, University and Seminary Wes went full time into the Lords work. Instead, Chapel leaders offered to share information gathered in the course of the investigation IF Circle C undertook an independent investigation in good faith. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Besides doing the cooking, she became the office manager, the accountant, head of the medical dept, and a mother to their 2 sons, Wes & Wayne. 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. He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania (which would prepare her for life at the Ranch). I don't know, but one thing I am sure of is that Taddeo and Silvarole will be ready to write about it. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. 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. 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. read more Filed Under: Church That was of the Lord. Amherst Police officials did not respond to an inquiry by 7 Eyewitness News, but Daryl DeKalb, a board member at Circle C Ranch, said none of that is true and defended Aarum. Powered by Kenny & Elle Campbell and friends of victims of abuse. We have reporters standing by. Fancher said the camp had documented instances in which other camp leaders had approached Aarum about his actions. At this age, he began to take care of his health. Snell could not be reachedafterrepeated attempts, including a letter to his home, phone calls and an email to his wife.". To honor, Glorify and exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. This helps build confidence among readers inthe validity of the work. If you are interested in helping out please fill out the application below! 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. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. A camp director and pastor with ties to a megachurch in western New York has been accused of inappropriately touching more than 20 women when they were teenage girls. Read the full story from News Staff Reporter Jay Tokasz. Click here to read a copy of the MinistrySafe report submitted to state officials. 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. Attorney Steven Long of Williamsvillelaw firm Long & Paulo-Lee, PLLC, who represents Aarum, did not immediately return requests for comment. All fourdid not respond. Two men face multiple charges following a chase and search Saturday night in the Town of Collins, Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reported Tuesday. They have been a team that Gdo brought together. Bob asked what it was for? {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Youth pastor, Christian camp director accused of inappropriately touching teen girls, 21 women who alleged Aarum touched them inappropriately, 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. Many say the former Chapel at Crosspoint minister and president of Circle C Ranch abused his spiritual authority over three decades -- and that the inappropriate contact with teen girls was the camps worst-kept secret. Click here to read the statement from Circle C Ranch. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. Laura Snell, 22, of Alexandria, Virginia, previously spoke about her allegations against Aarum as part of a USA TODAY Network New York investigation in June, which detailed claims of sexual and emotional abuse against Aarum from 16 women over two decades. Attorney Kimberlee Norris said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum. information shared on its website on Monday. 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. Aarum also said that neither he nor campers or staffers who supported him were contacted by MinistrySafe, a Texas-based company that conducts investigations for multiple Christian denominations. The details, the word choices and the extra effort to confirm facts and reach difficult-to-reach people all matter greatly. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. These persons said they'dwitnessedAarumsactions, or heard aboutthemfrom staff or loved ones. But 7 Eyewitness News spoke with a former employee at the youth camp who said she has spoken with one of the alleged survivors. Click here to read the internal investigation report provided by Circle C Ranch. The camp was founded by Wayne Aarums father Wes Aarum Sr., and both Wayne and his brother, Wes Aarum Jr., serve on the board. Tight hugging. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Some members defended Camardos handling of the situation, including an unidentified board member in the meeting who pointed to the Catholic Diocese of Buffalos troubles in recent years for sweeping all of this stuff under the rug.. Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. The accounts of the women, describing incidents involving Wayne Aarum that took place when they were Circle C Ranch campers, are troubling and concerning. The board also claims that the Chapel is attempting to use the womens claims to generate controversy and take over the 315-acre rural camp that has been in the Aarum family since 1968. Dekalb appeared to place blame on the women who have come forward, even though leaders at The Chapel have described them as credible and courageous. 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. Read their stories. 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. After article publication, the law firm has been inundated with calls and emails from additional fact witnesses and victims. The attorney advised that Aarum step down as president and camp director, but the board didnt follow through on that advice, said Fancher, who no longer is on the camps board. Wes held a crusade in Montana and there God gave him 2 men, Ken Strait & Russ Alexander who were great with horses and hammers and they came east to help build the camp. Two other days, July 3 and 31, are designated as "Family Fun Days," according to the website. 10451 Ashcraft Rd Delevan, NY 14042 One of America's most exciting Christian Camps. 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