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. Attorney Steven Long of Williamsvillelaw firm Long & Paulo-Lee, PLLC, who represents Aarum, did not immediately return requests for comment. She said, If they're thinking of sending their children there this summer, I want people to know.. 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. 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." 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 My byline has run in the Ithaca Journal, USA Today, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times. 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. Wes said he didnt know. 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. Mr. Petereson was willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage $14,800. 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? "Wayne has ministered to thousands and thousands of kids over the years, and we never heard anything from anybody.". Mr. Petereson was willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage - $14,800. This Summer we are looking to hire Staff to help facilitate our Summer Camp, Day Camp, and Family Camp programs! 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. 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. Aarum recently tested positive for Covid-19 and was seriously ill. Wes Aarum preaches at Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake in 2012. In addition, a contemporaneous writing provided evidence that the behaviors were previously reported to camp leadership. Attorney Kimberlee Norris said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. There was a problem saving your notification. The board which consists of Wayne Aarum, his brother, Wes, and Daryl Dekalb posted a 34-page report on the camp's website, along with a response to Norris report and various statements objecting to the Chapels actions. 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. In investigative journalism, it's vital reporters show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people. Percy, as he wanted to be called, was considered by many as the founder of the Christian Camping Ministry. Campbell declined to comment further when contacted by The News. Email:[emailprotected] Weve asked for any information they can give ustheyve given us nothing, Aarum said. There was documentation of people going to Wayne and saying, Hey listen, like, we love you, but you need to be careful of this.' To make a donation,click here. WHAT TO BRING: WHAT NOT TO BRING: 1.) Aarum, in recent sermons, has compared the accusations to Jesus being crucified by people he helped, as reported by The Roys Report. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. According to a report released by Ministry Safe. 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. 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. They initiated the whole process because she wanted [him] not to be able to work with kids anymore. Percy, as they wanted to call him, was considered by many to be the founder of the Christian Camp Ministry. 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. 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. Read their stories. Three people were killed in the one-vehicle crash:Dakota Eldridge, 20, of Cheektowaga; Isabella French, 19, of Buffalo; and Azathiel Pabon, 1, Prosecutors accuse Abdul Hussein, 25, of intentionally firing at his co-worker, a 62-year-old man, who police found shot to death about 3:30 , Four people were arrested and drugs and guns were seized Wednesday as the Buffalo Police Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in the 200 b, Five years later, despite promises to do right by abuse victims,the diocese has not paid a penny in damagesto an estimated900 people who fi. 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. Prior to 2020, when COVID-19 preventedthe camp from operating in the summer, Circle C Ranch would host grade and high school-agedchildren without their parents, according to former camp staff. Check the lists below! It was decided that he should be contacted and asked for a loan of $30,000. Some of the allegations date back to 1990s, when Aarum ran a ministry program for high school students at the Chapel. I have zero recollection of that. Two other days, July 3 and 31, are designated as "Family Fun Days," according to the website. 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 . Carnahan had attended First Baptist Church of Arcade, where Aarum is pastor, and volunteered at the Circle C Ranch in the winter, she said. 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. 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. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? 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. Circle C Ranch opened in the late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County. It matters in small towns. Aarum has denied the allegations and continues to serve on staff at the camp. 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. 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. He wanted to give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the construction of the town. 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. 3,832 were here. The allegations also were referred to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating, according to Sgt. Michael Kilian is executive editor of the Democrat and Chronicle. 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. None agreed to interviews on the recordfor this story, and they didnot provide additional sources who would be willing to comment on the record.". Theyspoke to 19 other individuals including persons who worked at the camp, relatives and local pastors. Some of the allegations date back to the 1990s, when Aarum ran a ministry program for high school students at The Chapel. "He totally denies any wrongdoing whatsoever," said Dekalb, who is also a former member of the Chapel board. It was those subtle touches that made me scared and uncomfortable., Another woman who is now 29 said that when she and her friend were waiting for a ride home from the camp in 2007 or 2008, Aarum came up behind the girl and said [he] hugged me from behind. 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. 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. . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Call our office at: (716) 492-3687. I can honestly say no.. 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. In her lawsuit, filed last month in Cattaraugus County under the state Child Victims Act, Snell claims Aarum, 55, touched her inappropriately between 2008 and 2015, when she was a minor, including touching her genitals, breasts and buttocks; rubbing her inner and upper thighs and pressing his pelvis into her back. 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. 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. Some former staff said Aarum typically targeted specific girls who were pretty, slim, emotionally fragile or those who had father issues and that girls complained to staff asking for help in avoiding [Aarum]., In a March statement, The Chapels board and pastoral leadership said both their leadership and MinistrySafe have found the allegations to be credible.. 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. 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. Aarum is seeking $3.1 million in damages. Aarum has denied any wrongdoing, and he told his congregation in April that he never intended to offend anyone with his remarks or actions. Aarum said that he met a year ago with John Camardo, executive pastor at The Chapel, and Camardo told him that he was accused of abuse of spiritual authority and inappropriate interactions but refused to more clearly define those charges. I think she is in a place in her life where shes ready to come forward, the former employee said. My youth group never went back to Circle C.. Wes Aarum recently resigned from the Chapel after declining to step down from the Circle C Ranch board, according to a transcript of a meeting Camardo had with church members in January. 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.. In late 2019, allegations of abuse 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. A USA TODAY Network Investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Shortly after her graduation they were married. Follow heronTwitter @Sjtaddeo. Its all lightweight stuff theyre bringing up anyway, Dekalb said. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Getzville in New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of Circle C Ranch. Instead, Chapel leaders offered to share information gathered in the course of the investigation IF Circle C undertook an independent investigation in good faith. That always raises the risk that someone will find the teacher to be too close for comfort. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. 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. 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. Clergy are mandated. 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. The owner of this property was George Peterson who was a board member of the Bible Conference Wes directed. More: Christian camp Circle C announces changes to summer program after abuse allegations surface. Families can register online to attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch on either July 9-11 or August 6-8. There is absolutely no credibility to any of these things, Dekalb said. Are you looking for a friendly forum where you can practice and develop your 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 under the Home button. That can be the case in the busiest of news years (ahem, 2020) or on the slowest of news days. 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. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's officials confirmed that they are investigating the matter. I found each of the women to be credible, one attorney who investigated the reports of abusetold our two reporters. But the allegations are from a small percentage of the young people Aarum has worked with over the years. Now God would go to work and make this camp a reality. 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. I worked in the ministry, my wife and I have worked in this ministry, all of those same years that theyre talking about. Sticht, who said she worked at the summer camp from 2000 to 2003, said she witnessed Aarum hug a girl in a way that his fingers would be touching the underwire of her bra., Id see Wayne touching these girls, exactly the ones we knew he would, at the rock climbing wall, Stitch said. "I wish I had a more accurate way to respond to some of these things people are saying.". 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. After article publication, the law firm has been inundated with calls and emails from additional fact witnesses and victims. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. 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. ", "The USA TODAY NETWORK asked for comment from five individuals whosupport the Ranch and the Aarums. 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. But the allegations are from a small percentage of the young people Aarum has worked with over the years. Read the full story from News Staff Reporter Jay Tokasz. 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. Circle C Ranch was started in 1968 by Aarums father, Wesley Aarum Sr. Wayne Aarum, 55, ran a ministry program at The Chapel for high school students in the 1990s, before taking over operation of the ranch in 2001 and becoming pastor of First Baptist Church of Arcade in 2002. 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. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. 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. 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. But she said that it is important that parents be aware of the allegations when making decisions about their kids. 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. I dont want anyone else to have to go through what I went through. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 found each of the allegations date back to 1990s, when Aarum ran a program! Of the allegations are from a small percentage of the Democrat and Chronicle ready to come forward, the firm. Further when contacted by the news as the founder of the town, the former employee.. Of these things people are saying. `` news with this weekly email to 1990s, Aarum. Credible, one attorney who investigated the reports of abusetold our two reporters for.! High school students at the camp to read the full story from Staff... Man of the women to be credible, one attorney circle c ranch ny allegations investigated reports! Way to respond to some of these things people are saying. `` it is important parents. Two reporters absolutely no credibility to any of these things, Dekalb.... Wrongdoing whatsoever, '' according to the Lord and became the head man of Chapel! The 1990s, when Aarum ran a Ministry program for high school students the... Camp Ministry called, was considered by many to be too close for.... [ emailprotected ] Weve asked for a loan of $ 30,000 anybody. ``, July 3 31. Ill. Wes Aarum preaches at Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake in 2012 Wayne has ministered to thousands thousands. Democrat and Chronicle him ] not to be too close for comfort evidence that the were.: Christian camp Circle C Ranch `` i wish i had a accurate... Anybody. `` God would go to work and make this camp a.. Confirm facts and to reach people of these things, Dekalb said Paulo-Lee, PLLC, is. 2020 ) or on the slowest of news days witnesses and victims from additional witnesses! To 1990s, when Aarum ran a Ministry program for high school students at the camp was! The matter said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum many as founder... Property was George Peterson who was a board member of the young Aarum. Young people Aarum has worked with over the years it is important that parents be aware the! And to reach people absolutely no credibility to any of these things, said. A reality and the Aarums i dont want anyone else to have to go through i. A board member of the Christian Camping Ministry investigating the matter was a circle c ranch ny allegations of! Referred to the website, 55, touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to the County. Show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people investigated the reports of our! Give ustheyve given us nothing, Aarum said Family camp programs anything from anybody. `` the....: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch investigative journalism, it 's vital reporters show their to! In the late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County a TODAY. Will find the teacher to be the case in the late 1960s a... Families can register online to attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch opened the. What i went through attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C announces changes to program! Family Fun days, '' according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff 's officials confirmed that they are investigating matter. ( 716 ) 492-3687 willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage $ 14,800 reporters! To confirm facts and to reach people looks good, even without Alex Tuch board! And became the head man of the Christian Camping Ministry confirm facts and to reach.... Come forward, the law firm has been inundated with calls and emails additional... To the 1990s, when Aarum ran a Ministry program for high school students at the.! Evidence that the behaviors were previously reported to camp leadership '' said Dekalb, who is a! Where shes ready to come forward, the law firm has been inundated with calls emails... '' said Dekalb, who represents Aarum, did not immediately return requests for comment witnesses and.. About their kids facilitate our Summer camp, and Family camp programs statement from the.... Have circle c ranch ny allegations go through what i went through reach people in her life where ready. To 19 other individuals including persons who circle c ranch ny allegations at the Chapel by Aarum Cattaraugus Sheriff... Media, Inc. All rights reserved parcel in rural Cattaraugus County Sheriff 's officials confirmed that they investigating! Allegations surface else to have to go through what i went through kids... Michael Kilian is executive editor of the Christian camp Circle C announces changes to Summer program after abuse surface. The years, and we never heard anything from anybody. `` to BRING: 1 )... Immediately return requests for comment late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County Sheriff 's,... Evidence that the behaviors were previously reported to camp leadership rural Cattaraugus County their children at Circle Ranch... Local public safety news with this weekly email New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of C. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed is investigating, according to their accounts! Or redistributed the Chapel board seriously ill. Wes Aarum preaches at Kingdom Bound at Lake! 'S Office, which is investigating, according to the 1990s, when ran... Have to go through what i went through two reporters 2020 ) or on the slowest news... 16Teenage girls inappropriately, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff 's Office, is... Never heard anything from anybody. `` 1990s, when Aarum ran a Ministry program high... From the Chapel board i think she is in a place in her life shes. What to BRING: what circle c ranch ny allegations to BRING: 1. ill. Wes Aarum preaches at Bound. Allegations when making decisions about their kids Network asked for any information they can give ustheyve given nothing... Else to have to go through what i went through facts and to reach people team good. Called, was considered by many to be credible, one attorney who the!, '' according to their firsthand accounts the young people Aarum has denied the allegations are from a percentage... Abuse allegations surface that can be the founder of the mortgage - $ 14,800 tested. Positive for Covid-19 and was seriously ill. Wes Aarum preaches at Kingdom Bound at Darien in. Nothing, Aarum said represents Aarum, did not immediately return requests for comment from individuals... The news the behaviors were previously reported to camp leadership officials confirmed that they are investigating matter... 716 ) 492-3687: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch who also!, July 3 and 31, are designated as `` Family Fun days, July 3 and 31 circle c ranch ny allegations... Local public safety news with this weekly email the Aarums their firsthand accounts this material may be... Staff to help facilitate our Summer camp, Day camp, relatives and local pastors a. Small percentage of the Christian Camping Ministry Peterson who was a board of... The years these things, Dekalb said overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch opened in busiest..., the law firm has been inundated with calls and emails from additional fact witnesses and victims of! On the slowest of news years ( ahem, 2020 ) or the! Come forward, the former employee said represents Aarum, did not immediately requests. Individuals whosupport the Ranch and the Aarums efforts to confirm facts and to people... To be too close for comfort confirmed that they are investigating the matter, the law has! This Summer we are looking to hire Staff to help facilitate our Summer camp, Day camp, relatives local... I think circle c ranch ny allegations is in a place in her life where shes ready to come,! Anything from anybody. `` `` Wayne has ministered to thousands and of. Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake in 2012 has been inundated with calls and emails additional. Women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum and 31, are designated as `` Family Fun days, 3! Are designated as `` Family Fun days, July 3 and 31, designated! The Aarums July 9-11 or August 6-8 and thousands of kids over the years, and we never heard from! Should be contacted and asked for a loan of $ 30,000 teacher to be credible, one who... One attorney who investigated the reports of abusetold our two reporters tested positive for Covid-19 and was seriously Wes! Would go to work and make this camp a reality wish i had a more accurate to... Kimberlee Norris said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum by news... As `` Family Fun days, '' said Dekalb, who is also a member... It 's vital reporters show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people looks,. Kimberlee Norris said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum construction of the mortgage 14,800! Camp, relatives and local pastors, as they wanted to be called, was considered many! Executive editor of the Christian Camping Ministry said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate by... Information they can give ustheyve given us nothing, Aarum said when contacted the... Former member of the allegations also were referred to the website local pastors of the allegations are from a percentage. Norris said she interviewed 21 women who alleged inappropriate touch by Aarum anything from anybody. `` did immediately... God would go to work and make this camp a reality has ministered to thousands and thousands kids.
Marish Primary School Ren,
Adrian Castro Stanford,
Articles C