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. 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. Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. 3,832 were here. He wanted to give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the construction of the town. (Both boys are college graduates and are now full time in the ministry working with college as well as public and high school students.) If I have offended you, I will apologize, he said during a church service in April. 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. She said she reported her complaints to Camardoafter Aarums denials were posted online at the camp website. He was not available Wednesday to speak to The News, said Dekalb. In October 2020, they hired MinistrySafe founder Kimberlee Norris, who completed her investigation in December 2020. It was 50 miles south of Buffalo, NY on a 315 acre piece of land that had been a farm. 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. The News reported in April on the allegations and Chapel investigation. Many of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused. Aarum is seeking $3.1 million in damages. 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. After hearing a report of abuse by a former staffer at the Circle C Ranch, The Chapel hired Ministry Safe to conduct an investigation. I found each of the women to be credible; patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed. Circle C stands for "Christ Centered" which is the purpose and continues to be the. 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. After meeting Wes and both of them realizing that someday they would be a team she went to Bible School to be better prepared to be the wife of a preacher. My byline has run in the Ithaca Journal, USA Today, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times. 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. 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. Camps are also required to collect information about the vaccination status of each camper and staff member, and perform health screenings upon arrival. Aarum left his role at The Chapel in 2000. 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. He was an authority figure and an adult; they were teenagers. 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. Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. 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. 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. 10451 Ashcraft Rd Delevan, NY 14042 One of America's most exciting Christian Camps. In a written statement issued Friday, Circle C Ranch leadership also suggested that "false memories" could have been planted in accusers' minds. There was over 100 acres of good haying land on this property so they had plenty of feed for the horses. And at its best, local journalism reveals truths that leaders and institutions of importance would much prefer remain hidden. 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. 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. 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. There is absolutely no credibility to any of these things, Dekalb said. {{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. 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. 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 . In investigative journalism, it's vital reporters show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people. 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.. More history on Circle C Ranch can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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. Circle C Ranch'sboard of trustees said they did their own investigation. "Circle C Ranch is aware of allegations raised against our President. I dont want any more children to come through his camp.. 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.. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. She also said Aarum on occasion grabbed her from behind and pulled his pelvis tight to her body. Aarum, who was a youth pastor at The Chapel, a large Buffalo-area church, and later the camp president at Circle C Ranch, a Christian camp in rural Cattaraugus County, was a well-known. Percy, as he wanted to be called, was considered by many as the founder of the Christian Camping Ministry. After Bible School, University and Seminary Wes went full time into the Lords work. 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.. 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. Investigation: 16 women say this pastor and camp president abused them. He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania (which would prepare her for life at the Ranch). set COVID-19 rules and restrictions for summer camps, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Instead, Chapel leaders offered to share information gathered in the course of the investigation IF Circle C undertook an independent investigation in good faith. Getzville in New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of Circle C Ranch. Norris runs MinistrySafe, which provides training and screening to prevent child sex abuse in churches, camps, youth sports and other settings. 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. They know Mr. Aarum personally, often for decades, and they know he would never intentionally harm anyone.. Some of the allegations date back to the 1990s, when Aarum ran a ministry program for high school students at The Chapel. The camps parent corporation, Living Waters Ministries, said in response: At the outset, a flat statement: Wayne Aarum, the Operations Director of the Circle C Ranch, never engaged in any of the conduct described in Ms. Norriss report.. To more or less prime the pump?. No, he said when asked whether he ever touched anyone inappropriately. 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. Percy, as they wanted to call him, was considered by many to be the founder of the Christian Camp Ministry. 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. 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. They initiated the whole process because she wanted [him] not to be able to work with kids anymore. 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. 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. 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. Georgie Silvarole/USA TODAY Network New York People reported his alleged behavior to camp officials and church leaders over 20 times since 1997. The smart way to start your day. Thank you for your support. 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. She was saved as a teenager, went to Buffalo and became a Registered Nurse. 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. information shared on its website on Monday. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. He continues as First Baptist Church of Arcade pastor and Circle C Ranch director. But she never saw any improvement in Wayne Aarums behavior, she said. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. Click here to read the statement from Circle C Ranch. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Shortly after her graduation they were married. 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. Its all lightweight stuff theyre bringing up anyway, Dekalb said. As you've read, Taddeo and Silvarole spent months speaking to 16 women who described inappropriate and uncomfortable encounters with the man who hasbeen camp director or president for many years at Circle C Ranch. 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. 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.. They spoke to Aarum, who denied any wrongdoing, according to the Chapel's statement. 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. Furthermore, Taddeo and Silvarole included what could be learned about how camp leaders dealt with complaints made about Aarum: "Circle C Ranch wouldultimately determinethe initial allegationswere false through its own internal investigation. Read their stories. Attorney Steven Long of Williamsvillelaw firm Long & Paulo-Lee, PLLC, who represents Aarum, did not immediately return requests for comment. 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. 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