Houses (Casas)

In the heart of the lush forest where Collinswood now stands, there once roamed a magnificent jaguar, blessed with wisdom beyond measure, compassion for the world around her, resilience to overcome adversity, and the courage to forge her own path. This noble creature, known as Cor (latin for heart), had roamed the earth for centuries, observing the ways of the world and the creatures within it.Throughout her journeys , Cor beheld village after village of children who were struggling to find their paths in life. Seeing their potential, yet also their need for guidance, Cor decided it was her life’s calling to ensure the children of the world had the best chances at success.

Drawing upon the strengths of the natural world, Cor called upon the elements to aid in the formation of four unique communities for these children. These communities became known as Aire, Tierra, Fuego, and Agua. Each community would embody the virtues associated with their element, guiding the children towards greatness.

The first community, Aire, was forged atop the highest peaks of Collinswood. Here, wisdom reigned supreme, and those who dwelled within Casa de Aire were taught to seek knowledge and understanding above all else. They were encouraged to soar to new heights of intellect and to share their wisdom with others. Inspired by the knowledge seekers of the European Renaissance, they seek to represent intelligence and wisdom. They are represented by the immensely intelligent Golden Eagle, native to Europe and North America.

The second community, Tierra, was nestled deep within the roots of the ancient trees. Resilience was the cornerstone of this casa, where the children learned to weather life’s storms with strength and determination.They were taught to stand firm in the face of adversity, knowing that they were rooted in the rich soil of their ancestors’ legacy. Inspired by the South American Rainforests ability to endure, they seek to show others how they can overcome anything life throws at them. They are represented by the remarkably resilient Emerald Tree Boa native to the Amazon basin.

The third community, Agua, found its home along the tranquil shores of Collinwood Lake. Here, compassion flowed freely, and the children were taught to nurture empathy and kindness towards all living beings. They learned the power of healing and the importance of supporting one another in times of need. Inspired by the pacific islands’ love, joy and dance, they seek to bring peoples from all parts of the world together in harmony. They are represented by the extraordinary empathic Borneo Elephant, a creature from the island of Borneo in Southwest pacific.

The fourth and final community, Fire, blazed brightly in the heart of the village. Courage burned within the souls of its inhabitants, driving them to face their fears and embrace challenges head-on. They were taught to harness the fiery passion within them and to use it to ignite change in the world around them. Inspired by the courageous peoples of Central America who fought to protect their cultural traditions from fading throughout colonization. They are represented by the consistently courageous American badger, which resides in areas of Central and North America.

As the years passed, the children of Collinswood flourished under the guidance of Cor’s Casas. They learned to embrace their unique strengths while also recognizing the value of cooperation and unity. Cor eventually faded into legend, however the spirit of the jaguar lived on in the hearts of the children, reminding them that together, they could overcome any obstacle.

And so, the legend of the Cor’s Casas became a cherished part of Collinswood’s history, serving as a timeless reminder that “Somos Collinswood! Juntos podemos.”