"Circle C Ranch would ultimately determine the initial allegations were false through its own internal investigation. To more or less prime the pump?. He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania (which would prepare her for life at the 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.. They spoke to Aarum, who denied any wrongdoing, according to the Chapel's statement. But she said that it is important that parents be aware of the allegations when making decisions about their kids. It isan investigative journalist's role to examine possible abuses of power or allegations of misfeasance or malfeasancethoroughly,keeping fairness and accuracy front and center in their work. Keeping his hands on their bodies way too long when it wasnt necessary at all.. Shortly after her graduation they were married. 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. My byline has run in the Ithaca Journal, USA Today, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times. They know Mr. Aarum personally, often for decades, and they know he would never intentionally harm anyone.. Multiple women told the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team that Aarum would sometimes touch intimate areas and would grab their bra straps. "So much so, we are changing our traditional schedule to give your family the chance to experience everything we are offering this year.". It's particularly true, though, when enterprising reporters receivea good story tip and stay with it until they get to the heart of an important story that otherwise would never have been told. 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. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. I pledge to you this:TheD&Cteam will do its best to serve Greater Rochester and each of our readers every single day. In addition, a contemporaneous writing provided evidence that the behaviors were previously reported to camp leadership. We believe in the Divine Inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, the creation of man by the diret act of God, the Incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His vicarious atonement for the sin of mankind, His death, burial, resurection, and His coming again bodily to take His saints to be with Him forever. It finally became a reality when in 1968 he found the property where God wanted him to start that camp. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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. The accused, Wayne Aarum, is the director of Circle C Ranch camp in Delevan, New York. 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. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. 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. Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. 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. 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. But she never saw any improvement in Wayne Aarums behavior, she said. 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. read more Filed Under: Church Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. And of course if you have any questions please email us or call the office at info@circlecranch.org or (716) 492-3687. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. In the interests of fairness, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum. Less than a week after the USA TODAY Network New Yorkpublished its investigation into the allegations against Aarum in June, Circle C Ranch announced it would pivot its typical summer camp schedule for 2021 to family weekends, which would include parents as well as children. 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. After hearing a report of abuse by a former staffer at the Circle C Ranch, The Chapel hired Ministry Safe to conduct an investigation. An email to Wayne Aurum, and a call to attorney's in Williamsville who are representing Aurum in the defamation lawsuit were not returned Monday. 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. Its all lightweight stuff theyre bringing up anyway, Dekalb said. We have reporters standing by. 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. Read their stories. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Miracle after Miracle, God has provided for Circle C Ranch and as long as God continues to provide, we will continue to serve Him! 1.) "Circle C Ranch is aware of allegations raised against our President. I am who I am. 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. set COVID-19 rules and restrictions for summer camps, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. If you are an abuse survivor, or you would like to share your experiences about the events described above, please send an email to Charlie.Specht@wkbw.com or Hannah.Buehler@wkbw.com. 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. 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. There was over 100 acres of good haying land on this property so they had plenty of feed for the horses. I dont want anyone else to have to go through what I went through. That always raises the risk that someone will find the teacher to be too close for comfort. Some of the allegations date back to 1990s, when Aarum ran a ministry program for high school students at the Chapel. The accounts of the women, describing incidents involving Wayne Aarum that took place when they were Circle C Ranch campers, are troubling and concerning. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how thisinvestigation was conducted and who conducted it. "This is why we're suspicious of these charges. Chelsea Carnahan told The News that Aarum stroked her back, hair and legs during one-on-one counseling sessions when she was a Pioneer High School student from 2006 to 2010. But Dekalb defended Aarum as a "true Christian" and said he had done nothing wrong. I dont want any more children to be affected. He said no one at the present and George said he would bring his crew up every weekend and do the job as a gift to the Lord. It matters in small towns. Yet the information reporters learn has to be vetted as well as it can be, too. Many of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused. A USA TODAY Network Investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts. 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.. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Drew Silleman. Got a story tip or comment? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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! The camp cited state restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the change. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Powered by Kenny & Elle Campbell and friends of victims of abuse. In investigative journalism, it's vital reporters show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people. Circle C Ranch opened in the late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County. In addition to his duties at Circle C Ranch, Aarum also currently serves as a pastor at First Baptist Church of Arcade in Wyoming County. Thank you for your support. Hannah Buehler reports. God knew that Wes would need a man that would be a confidant, a prayer partner, on who could give wise counsel and one who had the same soul-winning burden and vision for the camp that he had. 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. Read the full story from News Staff Reporter Jay Tokasz. 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. Now God would go to work and make this camp a reality. For many years, The Chapel, a popular nondenominational megachurch with several offshoot congregations, encouraged families to send their children to Circle C Ranch. Daryl Dekalb, a Circle C board director, says that Aarum is a True Christian. 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. 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. I dont want any more children to come through his camp.. 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. I have never had any sexual interaction with anyone other than my wife. 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. 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. all you can eat pancakes, eggs, juice, and coffee. Especially about potency and trying to defeat erectile dysfunction. (Both boys are college graduates and are now full time in the ministry working with college as well as public and high school students.) 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. Click here to read the internal investigation. Clergy are mandated. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. ContactSarahat STADDEO@Gannett.com or (585) 258-2774. In response to that written statement, Kimberly Norris, one of the founders of MinistrySafe, and the attorney who did The Chapel investigation provided the following information: "Neither the Circle C board (or its parent corporation, Living Waters Ministries) has ever contacted me, MinistrySafe or the law firm of Love & Norris. 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. I have zero recollection of that. "I wish I had a more accurate way to respond to some of these things people are saying.". (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. No, he said when asked whether he ever touched anyone inappropriately. Youth pastor, Christian camp director accused of inappropriately touching teen girls. Neither I nor MinistrySafe (or any representative of the law firm) have ever offered information for payment to Circle C or Living Waters Ministries. 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. It makes a difference to people of all backgrounds and life experiences. Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. Percy, as they wanted to call him, was considered by many to be the founder of the Christian Camp Ministry. 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. 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. Carnahan had attended First Baptist Church of Arcade, where Aarum is pastor, and volunteered at the Circle C Ranch in the winter, she said. Its a thrill to see what God has done over the years. 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. 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. Chapel leaders say they began hearing troubling allegations about Aarum in October 2019 and again in February 2020. 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. I remember a lot of hugs lasting a little too long.. They travelled over 100 miles one way every weekend until the job as done and then they donated all the fixtures as well. 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. 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. Circle C Ranch released its own investigation of the allegations at The Chapel on the ranch's website in March 2021. In a written statement issued Friday, Circle C Ranch leadership also suggested that "false memories" could have been planted in accusers' minds. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Waynes brother, Wes, was highly regarded as a minister at the Chapel for many years, as well. 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. Wes said none its for the Lord. The allegations also were referred to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating, according to Sgt. If you are interested in helping out please fill out the application below! This helps build confidence among readers inthe validity of the work. ", "I'm not sure who's saying it and what they're referring to," he said. Wes had been a youth pastor, pastor, evangelist, leader in Youth for Christ and director of a Bible Conference. Finally, the notion that the allegations were planted or suggested by counselors or social workers is patently absurd.". Does public speaking or speaking in a group make you nervous? 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. 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