Celebrating Skills and Giving Back: The BoHoFest 2023

The Sycamore hosts BoHoHo Bazaar every year since 2016 to combine entrepreneurship and holiday cheer, serving as a platform for students to promote community service, business skills, and charity fundraising. The upcoming 2023 edition introduces BoHoFest, taking the event to a new dynamic level. Come celebrate our students’ talents and dedication to making a difference!

January 5, 2024
The Sycamore Team

Commending the Values of Entrepreneurship and Charity

The BoHoHo Bazaar, which has been a beloved tradition at The Sycamore for the past five years running, is a vibrant and engaging celebration that takes place during the holiday season. It provides an ideal platform for students to showcase their creative and entrepreneurial skills, while also supporting a range of charitable organizations and vital causes that are close to our hearts.

Not only do students have the opportunity to hone their interpersonal and team-building skills during the bazaar, but they also gain practical experience in the art of business and marketing. By setting up and managing their very own stalls, they learn what it takes to attract customers, negotiate, and make sales.

But the bazaar is more than just an educational experience – it’s also a lively and festive gathering that brings together students, staff, and members of the wider community. With its musical performances, delicious food and drink stalls, and an array of colorful and eye-catching displays of handmade crafts and artisanal products, the BoHoHo Bazaar is a truly unmissable event.

BLOX Program: Connecting Students with Beneficiaries

Adding to the vibrant and meaningful experience of the BoHoHo Bazaar, a unique aspect of this event is the heartfelt interaction between the students and the beneficiaries of their fundraising efforts. At the conclusion of the bazaar, students are given the wonderful opportunity to personally visit the organizations or individuals they have supported. This visit isn’t just a formal handover of donations; it’s a chance for students to see the direct impact of their hard work and generosity. They present the gifts and funds they meticulously raised through the bazaar, offering a tangible testament to their commitment to helping others.

Furthermore, the BLOX (Blessings-in-a-Box) program plays a pivotal role in deepening this experience. Through this program, students are encouraged to not only contribute financially but also to invest their time and emotions. They spend time with the beneficiaries, engaging in meaningful conversations and activities. This interaction is more than just an act of charity; it’s a powerful learning experience that fosters empathy, social awareness, and a sense of community responsibility in the students.

These moments of personal interaction are immensely valuable. They not only bolster the morale of the beneficiaries, who receive both material and emotional support, but they also inspire the students. Witnessing the positive effects of their efforts firsthand motivates them to continue participating in and contributing to future BoHoHo events and other charitable endeavors. This cycle of giving and learning is a cornerstone of the BoHoHo Bazaar, making it an event that truly encapsulates the spirit of community and compassion.

Student Organization and Learning at BoHoHo Bazaar

The BoHoHo Bazaar, a hallmark event at The Sycamore, is an annual endeavor that brings together the enthusiasm and ingenuity of its Grade 9 and 10 students. This event stands as a practical, hands-on project that transcends the traditional classroom setting, providing a real-world experience in event planning and management.

As students embark on the journey of organizing this bazaar, they are introduced to the intricate aspects of project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination. This immersive experience is crucial in teaching them the importance of responsible planning and effective time management. Each task, from selecting vendors to marketing the event, requires meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking, skills that are invaluable in their academic and future professional lives

Moreover, the BoHoHo Bazaar serves as a vibrant platform for students to step out of their comfort zones and harness their unique talents in a collaborative setting. It encourages students with diverse strengths and interests to come together and contribute in meaningful ways. Artistic students may find themselves in charge of creative design elements, while those with a flair for communication might take the lead in promotional activities.

The event also fosters leadership and teamwork, as students learn to delegate tasks, support each other’s ideas, and work cohesively towards a common goal. This hands-on approach not only bolsters their individual skills but also nurtures a sense of community and collective achievement. By the end of the process, students emerge not just as better planners and team players, but also as more confident and versatile individuals, ready to tackle future challenges.

A New Twist to the BoHoHo Bazaar

The BoHoHo Bazaar has undergone a transformative makeover into an exciting new event called BoHoFest! This student-led fundraiser extravaganza is the perfect opportunity for students to learn and hone essential business, marketing, and event management skills while doing good for the community.

The event promises to be a highlight of the year for attendees, with plenty of exciting activities, vendors, and entertainment on offer. BoHoFest 2023 promises to be a one-of-a-kind fair that will bring together students, teachers, alumni, and community members for a day of fun, learning, and community engagement. With something for everyone, BoHoFest is the perfect opportunity to experience the best of what the school and local businesses have to offer.