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. "I wish I had a more accurate way to respond to some of these things people are saying.". It matters in cities. 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, as well as be added to our email list. The camp is veering from its traditional model this summer, insteadfocusing on "Family Camp Weekends" in July and August, according to information shared on its website on Monday. As Ross Barker said, without Marge we would have never made it. How true! 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. Bob asked what it was for? Whether you are a loyal D&C reader or a new one, please know that stories like this are possible because of subscribers like you. 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. Wayne S. Aarum claimed in a defamation lawsuit that The Chapel and its executive pastor, John Camardo, engaged in a sustained campaign of . 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. More: Christian camp Circle C announces changes to summer program after abuse allegations surface. This helps build confidence among readers inthe validity of the work. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. Wayne Aarum, a former senior high minister atThe Chapel at Crosspointin Getzville, New York, current pastor ofFirst Baptist Churchin Arcade, New York, and the operator ofCircle C Ranchyouth camp in Delevan, New York, stands accused of sexually assaulting at least twenty-one girls spanning decades. That was of the Lord. 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? Bob asked when he would pay it back? 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. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. 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. No, he said when asked whether he ever touched anyone inappropriately. 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. Little did he realize that 23 years later God would let him have the desire of his heart. 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. Circle C Ranch'sboard of trustees said they did their own investigation. This was maybe 12 or so years ago. Mr. Petereson was willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage $14,800. 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.. The Chapel first hired MinistrySafe in 2019 to improve its policies after unrelated sexual abuse allegations at its Lockport worship site were reported by The Buffalo News in 2019. At one point in the meeting, Randy Fancher, a former trustee of the Circle C Ranch, said the camps board hired an attorney more than a year ago to investigate an allegation against Wayne Aarum. Bob asked how much interest? They travelled over 100 miles one way every weekend until the job as done and then they donated all the fixtures as well. Aarum has denied any wrongdoing, and he told his congregation in April that he never intended to offend anyone with his remarks or actions. Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. That always raises the risk that someone will find the teacher to be too close for comfort. Thursday, April 8, 2021. They initiated the whole process because she wanted [him] not to be able to work with kids anymore. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. 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. Aarum has denied the allegations and continues to serve on staff at the camp. Wayne S. Aarum, who runs the Circle C Ranch in Delevan, claimed in a defamation lawsuit filed this week that The Chapel and its executive pastor, John Camardo, engaged in a sustained campaign of false and malicious accusations against Aarum that hurt his reputation. Powered by Kenny & Elle Campbell and friends of victims of abuse. 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 Circle C Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation governed by a seven member Board of Directors. He was not available Wednesday to speak to The News, said Dekalb. 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. 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. It was 50 miles south of Buffalo, NY on a 315 acre piece of land that had been a farm. Wayne Aarum, pastor accused of abusing teens, sues Buffalo megachurch The Chapel for $2.5M. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how this . 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. Anne Stych is a writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Circle C stands for "Christ Centered" which is the purpose and continues to be the driving force. ORIGINAL STORY:. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. I dont want any more children to come through his camp.. I have zero recollection of that. Clergy are mandated. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She said upon receiving the letter that was sent by MinistrySafe to survivors on Sunday, she has been sick to my stomach ever since.. https://terrace-healthcare.com/news/generic-cialis.html. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. Email us at: [email protected]. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. 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 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. "This is why we're suspicious of these charges. 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. Theyspoke to 19 other individuals including persons who worked at the camp, relatives and local pastors. Some of the allegations date back to 1990s, when Aarum ran a ministry program for high school students at the Chapel. 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. 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. 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. 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. Many of the allegations, which have been reported by Chapel leadership to the State Office of Children and Family Services, deal with alleged conduct occurring at the Circle C Ranch youth camp in Delevan, where Aarum serves as president. 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. Weve asked for any information they can give ustheyve given us nothing, Aarum said. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. That can be the case in the busiest of news years (ahem, 2020) or on the slowest of news days. Circle C Ranch opened in the late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County. 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. Judge Rules That Michigan Public University Violated the Rights of Christian Student Group, Citygate Network Seeks Greater Diversity in National Rescue Mission Leadership. 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. Missed chances:Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. The work poses many challenges. "Circle C Ranch would ultimately determine the initial allegations were false through its own internal investigation. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Aarum, in recent sermons, has compared the accusations to Jesus being crucified by people he helped, as reported by The Roys Report. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. read more Filed Under: Church Keep reading with unlimited digital access. I dont want anyone else to have to go through what I went through. "He totally denies any wrongdoing whatsoever," said Dekalb, who is also a former member of the Chapel board. 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. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber. No, he said when asked whether he ever touched anyone inappropriately. 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. 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. Circle C Ranch released its own investigation of the allegations at The Chapel on the ranch's website in March 2021. Campbell declined to comment further when contacted by The News. Waynes brother, Wes, was highly regarded as a minister at the Chapel for many years, as well. Access to MinistryWatch content is free. Read the full story from News Staff Reporter Jay Tokasz. 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. If you are not a subscriber, or if you want a friend or loved one to enjoy the D&C like you do, please share this link with them featuring special subscription offers:https://bit.ly/3zlqulC. This Summer we are looking to hire Staff to help facilitate our Summer Camp, Day Camp, and Family Camp programs! Sometimes he would grab her from behind and pull his pelvis tight to her body, she said. The 75-page transcript, which was posted online at the Circle C website, reveals rifts within the congregation, with members pressing Camardo for details about the investigation of Wayne Aarum and the resignation of Wes Aarum. There is absolutely no credibility to any of these things, Dekalb said. ", "I'm not sure who's saying it and what they're referring to," he said. investigation by USA TODAY Network New York State Team reporters Sarah Taddeo and Georgie Silvarole, These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, How emotional, spiritual abuse creates lasting trauma, Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago, the camp announced a change for how it will operate this summer, Christian camp Circle C announces changes to summer program after abuse allegations surface, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. To make a donation,click here. 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. None agreed to interviews on the recordfor this story, and they didnot provide additional sources who would be willing to comment on the record.". . 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 association documents and forms; join discussion forums; utilize the member directory; and much more. She also said Aarum on occasion grabbed her from behind and pulled his pelvis tight to her body. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. I found each of the women to be credible; patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed. Carnahan had attended First Baptist Church of Arcade, where Aarum is pastor, and volunteered at the Circle C Ranch in the winter, she said. 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 camp was founded by Wayne Aarums father Wes Aarum Sr., and both Wayne and his brother, Wes Aarum Jr., serve on the board. Two other days, July 3 and 31, are designated as "Family Fun Days," according to the website. I can honestly say no.. After hearing a report of abuse by a former staffer at the Circle C Ranch, The Chapel hired Ministry Safe to conduct an investigation. 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. 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. I worked in the ministry, my wife and I have worked in this ministry, all of those same years that theyre talking about. In the interests of fairness, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum. Many of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused. 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. Michael Kilian is executive editor of the Democrat and Chronicle. I can honestly say no., Aarum added, Did someone contact them before MinistrySafe did? 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. While at that camp Wes got to thinking that maybe someday he would be able to start a camp where young people could come to know Christ. Keeping his hands on their bodies way too long when it wasnt necessary at all.. Some Chapel members expressed anger and frustration over how leadership handled the investigation of Aarum, who was popular with many people connected to the church. I pledge to you this:TheD&Cteam will do its best to serve Greater Rochester and each of our readers every single day. 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.. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. We never saw anything even approaching this.. If you are interested in helping out please fill out the application below! 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. Few of the women who came forward during the investigation knew other; the behavior complained of spanned DECADES. In addition, a contemporaneous writing provided evidence that the behaviors were previously reported to camp leadership. 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. 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. Before MinistrySafe did trustees said they did their own way been a staff reporter Jay.! Thefirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York set COVID-19 Rules and for... And 31, are designated as `` Family Fun days, '' said Dekalb reported... 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