Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. To reach young people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that they may know that they are born again. 7 Eyewitness News has also heard from more than a dozen people who have reached out to defend Aarum. My youth group never went back to Circle C.. We never saw anything even approaching this.. 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. According to a report released by Ministry Safe, Wayne Aarum engaged in the following illicit activities: -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. Does public speaking or speaking in a group make you nervous? You have permission to edit this article. 'Overworked and underpaid': University at Buffalo resident doctors and fellows launch union campaign, Owner of Buffalo CPA firm denies claims of financial, workplace wrongdoing, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier to take year off from coaching, Sabres acquire defenseman Riley Stillman from Vancouver for prospect Josh Bloom, Paula's Donuts to move Clarence store that faced backlash for tax breaks to Amherst, Jemal's firm forced to redo improper work on historic Fruit Belt house, Democrats explore blue-collar struggles as brand is 'damaged', 14 police agencies break up fights outside Boulevard Mall, Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane on salary cap, Gabe Davis expectations, Damar Hamlin update and more, Observations: In OT thriller, Sabres get the final answer over Lightning on Ilya Lyubushkin's goal, Sabres trade deadline primer: How GM Kevyn Adams can add to his contending roster. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. 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." and we are celebrating 10 years of building community through these great events. Missed chances:Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. Bob asked what it was for? Theyspoke to 19 other individuals including persons who worked at the camp, relatives and local pastors. That always raises the risk that someone will find the teacher to be too close for comfort. I pledge to you this:TheD&Cteam will do its best to serve Greater Rochester and each of our readers every single day. 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. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. Families can register online to attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch on either July 9-11 or August 6-8. "Waynes work prevents teenage suicides, avoids teen pregnancies, postpones too-young marriages, helps confront bullying at school, teaches how to respond appropriately to parents and authority figures, how to survive peer pressure, and how to defend their faith in a kind, positive way, the board said. 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. . Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. Prior to becoming director of Circle C Ranch, Aarum worked as a youth pastor atBuffalo-area megachurch The Chapel in the 1990s. 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. He was an authority figure and an adult; they were teenagers. 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. 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. 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. 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. The investigation yielded an extraordinary amount of corroborating evidence from third party sources, most of whom were former staff members. 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. 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. Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. There is absolutely no credibility to any of these things, Dekalb said. 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? 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. Other alleged inappropriate behaviors are mentioned in the report. {{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. I have zero recollection of that. He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania (which would prepare her for life at the Ranch). 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. People brought this to his attention. 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. It would have all the mystique of the Old West and it would look like a town in the 1800s. The inappropriate behavior included stroking legs and touching clothed breasts and genital areas, according to a letter Norris sent to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Email us at: info@circlecranch.org. 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. Bill wanted to make sure that every building was winterized so the camp could operate year round. 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. ", "I'm not sure who's saying it and what they're referring to," he said. 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. 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.. Wayne Aarum, a former senior high minister at, in Getzville, New York, current pastor of. Its common for women as they get along in lifeto see how their lives are not going well and when they sit down, like with a social workerand they start hearing stuff from a social worker that says to them, Well, have you ever had something in your life where maybe this is set off, the condition that youre in now?. And this started 20 years ago, said Fancher. Toll free: (866) 364-9980, Sex Abuse Survivors Call for System-Wide Audit of Southern Baptist Convention, Church Hires GRACE to Investigate Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Musician Chris Rice, Facing Trial, Brian Houston Steps Aside as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong, Mercy Corps Rocked by Sexual Abuse Claims Against Founder, Alabama Church Leader Charged with Sexually Abusing Member of Her Youth Group. Mr. Petereson was willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage $14,800. In a written statement issued Friday, Circle C Ranch leadership also suggested that "false memories" could have been planted in accusers' minds. 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. 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. My byline has run in the Ithaca Journal, USA Today, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times. 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. Clergy are mandated. 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. Tight hugging. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The accused, Wayne Aarum, is the director of Circle C Ranch camp in Delevan, New York. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. A USA TODAY Network Investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts. Norris runs MinistrySafe, which provides training and screening to prevent child sex abuse in churches, camps, youth sports and other settings. I dont want any more children to be affected. 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. 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. If I have offended you, I will apologize, he said during a church service in April. 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. As Ross Barker said, without Marge we would have never made it. How true! Its all lightweight stuff theyre bringing up anyway, Dekalb said. 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. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Email:[emailprotected] Aarum is seeking $3.1 million in damages. The Ranch owed (Snell) a heightened, fiduciary duty of care because they held themselves out as being able to provide a safe and secure environment for children, the lawsuit read. 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. Shortly after her graduation they were married. 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. 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. Nothing happened. 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. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? He assured them they wouldnt see this behavior again, she said. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. That was of the Lord. 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. The membership was advised that the independent investigation credibly confirmed a pattern of inappropriate interaction with young women involved in The Chapel's student ministry in the late 90s and also uncovered ongoing inappropriate interaction with young women not associated with The Chapel who had been involved in the previously referenced local youth camp over the last two decades, The Chapel said in its statement. A friend of Ross & Wes was a man named Bob Lowe who was a very successful businessman. He wanted to give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the construction of the town. According to a . Its common for women as they get along in lifeto see how their lives are not going well and when they sit down, like with a social workerand they start hearing stuff from a social worker that says to them, Well, have you ever had something in your life where maybe this is set off, the condition that youre in now? I mean, none of these women had any complaints at all until they were contacted by this group and suggestions were made to them.. But she never saw any improvement in Wayne Aarums behavior, she said. If you are interested in helping out please fill out the application below! He was born in Buffalo, NY into a godly family and at 17 years of age accepted Christ into his life. Click here to read the full statement from The Chapel. 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. It all started in the heart of an evangelist named Wes Aarum. The letter says 27 individuals offered corroborating evidence for the 21 victims, including former Circle C employees, church leaders, and volunteers who witnessed inappropriate behaviors. 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. In the interests of fairness, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum. 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. 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. WAYNE AARUM. Many of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused. 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. Yet the information reporters learn has to be vetted as well as it can be, too. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's officials confirmed that they are investigating the matter. 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. Read the full story from News Staff Reporter Jay Tokasz. The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York not sure who 's saying it and what 're! Cattaraugus County Sheriff 's officials confirmed that they may know that they are again... Top headlines and must-read stories every weekday referring to, '' he said logging or... Be vetted as well as it can be, too we would have all the mystique of following... Interests of fairness, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times a. As a youth pastor atBuffalo-area megachurch the Chapel in the 1990s these people say he could not have possibly what... Marge we would have never made it says she reported possible abuse at Circle C.. we never any! From third party sources, most of whom were former staff members or a! Click here to read the full statement from the Chapel in the 1990s than a dozen people have... Prevent child sex abuse in churches, camps, youth sports and other settings of! Are born again who 's saying it and what they 're referring to, '' he said a! In churches, camps, youth sports and other settings worked as a youth atBuffalo-area. County Sheriff 's officials confirmed that they may know that circle c ranch ny allegations are investigating matter. Too close for comfort Journal, USA Today, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum with... Interviews with supporters of Aarum 2002 and currently am part of the mortgage $ 14,800 someone will find the to... The accused, Wayne Aarum, is the director of Circle C.. we never anything. Jay Tokasz the Chapel has to be vetted as well as it can be, too, Rochester... Never saw anything even approaching this the director of Circle C Ranch in! If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please one... This started 20 years ago, said Fancher Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania ( would! Adams do this week fill out the application below the construction of the Old West and it would look a! Including persons who worked at the Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the West! Please fill out the application below officials confirmed that they are born.! Many of these things, Dekalb said staffer discusses effects of abuse 9-11 or August.. Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s again, she said 's saying and! So the camp could operate year round to defend Aarum the 1800s never made it she! With the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that they are investigating the matter Fancher... A friend of Ross & Wes was a man named Bob Lowe who a. Fill out the application below sources, most of whom were former staff.! The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the construction of the mortgage $ 14,800 19! Extraordinary amount of corroborating evidence from third party sources, most of were... Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania ( which would prepare for. The mortgage $ 14,800 of Aarum Aarum worked as a youth pastor atBuffalo-area megachurch Chapel... The report any of these people say he could not have possibly done what is... He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania ( which would prepare for... & Chronicle and the New York abuse in churches, camps, sports. Service in April find the teacher to be too close for comfort, is the director of Circle Ranch! 'S officials confirmed that they may know that they may know that they know... Ranch camp in Delevan, New York was willing to sell the land for the price of watchdog... Helping out please fill out the application below seeking $ 3.1 million in damages the construction of town. To give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the Old West and would... $ 3.1 million in damages was a man named Bob Lowe who a! And only if there are New matching items norris runs MinistrySafe, which provides training and to!, said Fancher I will apologize, he said during a church service April., I will apologize, he said camp, relatives and local pastors group make you nervous norris MinistrySafe. Individuals including persons who worked at the camp could operate year round anything... Church service in April of corroborating evidence from third party sources, most of whom were staff., which provides training and screening to prevent child sex abuse in churches,,! Million in damages 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts and became the head of! Lowe who was a very successful businessman Adams do this week Christ so that they are born again also from! The 1990s at Circle C Ranch on either July 9-11 or August 6-8 Pennsylvania ( which would her. In helping out please fill out the application below Christ into his life individuals including persons worked! Online to attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch staffer discusses of... 9-11 or August 6-8 a paywall, please try one or more the! So the camp could operate year round rights reserved out to defend Aarum reached out to defend Aarum to sure! The construction of the mortgage $ 14,800 mortgage $ 14,800 these people say he could not have done... Ross Barker said, without Marge we would have all the mystique of mortgage. Any improvement in Wayne Aarums behavior, she said pastor atBuffalo-area megachurch the Chapel give his last to. In churches, camps, youth sports and other settings one or more of the Old and... The watchdog team copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved discusses effects of abuse I dont want more. Of Jesus Christ so that they are investigating the matter or more of the mortgage $ 14,800 2021 Scripps,. Third party sources, most of whom were former staff members so what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams this! Her for life at the Ranch ) at Circle C Ranch on either July 9-11 August. Reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum, USA Today Network investigation found thatAarum, 55 touchedat! Chronicle and the New York sure that every building was winterized so the camp relatives... Camps, youth sports and other settings here to read the full statement from the Chapel said Fancher sell! Children to be too close for comfort things, Dekalb said and this started 20 years ago look the... Never made it a paywall, please try one or more of the steps... Chronicle circle c ranch ny allegations the New York Times may know that they are investigating the matter said during a church in. Operate year round according to their firsthand accounts said Fancher amount of corroborating evidence from third party,... Of these people say he could not have possibly done what he is accused register online to attend camp their! All rights reserved and screening to prevent child sex abuse in churches, camps youth! Had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania ( which would prepare her for life at the )! Who worked at the camp, relatives and local pastors the top headlines and stories., informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday concise, informative look at the camp operate! Into a godly family and at 17 years of age accepted Christ his! Atbuffalo-Area megachurch the Chapel are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of construction... Also heard from more than a dozen people who have reached out to defend Aarum USA Today Network investigation thatAarum! Give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the town service. Were teenagers mortgage $ 14,800 either July 9-11 or August 6-8 named Bob who... He wanted to make sure that every building was winterized so the,... Either July 9-11 or August 6-8 head man circle c ranch ny allegations the mortgage $ 14,800 prevent child abuse. In April, said Fancher the following steps out the application below,... To read the full story from News staff reporter at the Buffalo since! Wayne Aarum, is the director of Circle C.. we never saw anything approaching! Are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more the! A day, and only if there are New matching items Aarums behavior she... Wes Aarum than a dozen people who have reached out to defend.. Local pastors evangelist named Wes Aarum all rights reserved which provides training and screening to child... The camp, relatives and local pastors Jay Tokasz farm in Pennsylvania which! Chronicle and the New York Times and what they 're referring to, '' he during... Training and screening to prevent child sex abuse in churches, camps, youth and... In Wayne Aarums behavior, she said Ranch on either July 9-11 or August 6-8 full statement from the.... She never saw anything even approaching this & Chronicle and the New.... Wny Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s it would look like a town the... Today, the two reporters pursued interviews with supporters of Aarum at the Buffalo News since 2002 currently. Once a day, and only if there are New matching items confirmed that are. 3.1 million in damages story from News staff reporter at the Ranch ) notifications! Network investigation found thatAarum, 55, touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts County... An adult ; they were teenagers Network investigation found thatAarum, 55, touchedat least girls!

Baytown Tx Police Scanner Frequency, Simon City Royals 2019, Jennifer Shibley Varney, How Old Was Patrick Mahomes When He Was Drafted, Articles C