circle c ranch ny allegations

After Bible School, University and Seminary Wes went full time into the Lords work. They initiated the whole process because she wanted [him] not to be able to work with kids anymore. 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.. 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. "Due to Covid Restrictions we have decided to pour all of our resources into our family camp weekends," the website reads. But she said that it is important that parents be aware of the allegations when making decisions about their kids. A detailed report written by Norris to State Children and Family Services officials was given Sunday to the 21 women who came forward. It's vital people describing trauma or harm be listened to with sensitivity and patience; coming forward is often an act of courage. 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. To make a donation,click here. Carnahan described Aarums actions as grooming and sexual predation. She also accused Aarum of inflicting what she termed religious trauma on her. The work poses many challenges. set COVID-19 rules and restrictions for summer camps, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The leadership of New York Christian camp Circle C Ranch defended operations director Wayne Aarum against claims that he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with multiple girls beginning decades ago, saying an internal investigation showed there was no substantial credible evidence of misconduct. 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. 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. We have reporters standing by. A USA TODAY Network Investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts. But the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team heard from multiple women who said they were not included in the MinistrySafe investigation, which examined claims stretching as far back as the 1990s, and who said their allegations stem from a time at Circle C Ranch between 2000 and 2016. Click here to read a copy of the MinistrySafe report submitted to state officials. Pine brook was a great soul-winning camp and that summer hundreds of teens accepted Christ. 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. Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. 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. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber. 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.. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. Aarum filed a lawsuit against The Chapel on June 2, 2021, accusing the churchs executive pastor, John Camardo, of defamation, saying statements related to the allegations against him were used to damage his reputation and his ability to do business, according to Aarums filing. The attorney advised that Aarum step down as president and camp director, but the board didnt follow through on that advice, said Fancher, who no longer is on the camps board. My byline has run in the Ithaca Journal, USA Today, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the New York Times. 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. In one letter, the board accused the Chapels executive pastor, John Camardo, of defamation. 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 have come forward to say that they either witnessed or experienced as teenagers inappropriate sexual contact by Wayne Aarum. You have permission to edit this article. The Chapel has thousands of members on its rolls and helped launched several other congregations in Western New York. 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. He was not available Wednesday to speak to The News, said Dekalb. Wes said none its for the Lord. The accounts of the women, describing incidents involving Wayne Aarum that took place when they were Circle C Ranch campers, are troubling and concerning. Sarah Taddeo is an enterprisereporter for USA Today Network's New York State Team. In an interview in March with WKBW-TV, Aarum said he had "zero recollection" of touching anyone inappropriately. According to a report released by Ministry Safe. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Carnahan had attended First Baptist Church of Arcade, where Aarum is pastor, and volunteered at the Circle C Ranch in the winter, she said. 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. Bob asked what it was for? Thank you for your support. According to a . Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. and we are celebrating 10 years of building community through these great events. They spoke to Aarum, who denied any wrongdoing, according to the Chapel's statement. More history on Circle C Ranch can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_C_Ranch. 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. 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. He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania (which would prepare her for life at the Ranch). What else might develop? 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. 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. I have been a staff reporter at The Buffalo News since 2002 and currently am part of the watchdog team. And at its best, local journalism reveals truths that leaders and institutions of importance would much prefer remain hidden. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how this . WAYNE AARUM. A Chicago developer has been eyeing the 315-acre Circle C Ranch camp property for a proposed $500 million windmill project, but the camps board has refused to sell or lease the land, according to court papers. 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. Camardo also told the congregation there was no truth to the rumor that the Chapel was attempting to take over operation of the camp. Shortly after her graduation they were married. Both of the local jurisdictions that were contacted in this investigation had determined that, given the passage of time (in some cases) or the nature of non-criminal allegations (in others), the allegations are not believed to be subject to criminal prosecution, they stated on The Chapel website. One of America's most exciting Christian Camps. As a result of her abuse, Snell experienced mental and psychological effects, including fear and anxiety that have required professional treatment, the lawsuit alleges. 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. Hannah Buehler reports. Wondering what your camper will need? I think she and other survivors felt responsible to bring it to light., The former employee said she never recognized Aarums interaction with girls as inappropriate while she worked there as a teen. Multiple women told the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team that Aarum would sometimes touch intimate areas and would grab their bra straps. 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. He was born in Buffalo, NY into a godly family and at 17 years of age accepted Christ into his life. Last week, Aarum filed a civil lawsuit against The Chapel alleging defamatory statements. A friend of Ross & Wes was a man named Bob Lowe who was a very successful businessman. Earlier this week, Circle C Ranch staff members said the camp is open to house Afghan refugees arriving on U.S. soil after fleeing the Talibans takeover in the country, according to the story from WIVB in Buffalo. The Circle C Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation governed by a seven member Board of Directors. Michael Kilian is executive editor of the Democrat and Chronicle. Its all lightweight stuff theyre bringing up anyway, Dekalb said. ContactSarahat STADDEO@Gannett.com or (585) 258-2774. That's a Christian camp for young people nearDelevan, New York, a village southeast of Buffalo and southwest of Rochester. Waynes brother, Wes, was highly regarded as a minister at the Chapel for many years, as well. 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. $10- ages 10+ $5- ages under 10 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. 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. 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. 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. Aarum left his role at The Chapel in 2000. Little did he realize that 23 years later God would let him have the desire of his heart. 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. 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. If you are an abuse survivor, or you would like to share your experiences about the events described above, please send an email to Charlie.Specht@wkbw.com or Hannah.Buehler@wkbw.com. 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