How to Join MADCAPS

MADCAPS opens to a new class of incoming senior members (mothers) and junior members (daughters) every fall. Membership requirements include: 

• Junior members must be entering 6th grade *
• Prospective members must reside in zip codes 92103, 92106, 92107 or 92110 at the time of application
• Prospective members must submit their interest form and application by any stated deadlines 
• Prospective members must attend a new member information meeting

Once a member is accepted to a MADCAPS incoming class, their membership will continue along with their class for six years (7th-12th grade), as long as they stay in good standing. There is not another membership opportunity, except for two exceptions: 

• Older sisters (in 7th - 12th grade) who are not current junior members are eligible to join their own age's class if they join at the same time as a 6th-grade sibling
•  If a class membership drops below a certain level, it may open up to new members. This is not a common occurrence, but will be announced on this page if it does occur.

Please note:

• You must submit the interest form by Sept. 30 at 11:55 p.m. This deadline is firm and there will be no exceptions. 
• After you fill out the interest form, you will receive further information on the application and interest meetings (6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 or Oct. 15). It is mandatory to attend one interest meeting and to submit the application by the required deadline. 
• This year's entering class is current 6th graders who will graduate from high school in the Class of 2031. 

For more information, contact Kari Wickersham / Missy Spradling (incoming membership co-chairs) at madcapsnewmembershipboard@gmail.com.

Class of 2021 Senior Send Off

Purchase tickets for the Class of 2021 Senior Send Off. This event is reserved for the class of 2021 friends and family only. Please note that the Daughter and Escort tickets are complimentary, mothers need to purchase their tickets. Maximum amount of guests per family is 4 (including mothers).

2021 Senior Class Donations to San Diego Habitat for Humanity

In honor of class of 2021, please consider a donation to their class philanthropy, San Diego Habitat for Humanity.

About Us

MADCAPS was established on May 24, 1960, when a group of 27 mothers got together to discuss an invitation to form a San Diego Chapter of the National Charity League, which sponsors Ticktockers. They decided against it and voted to form a new organization complete with a new name. Among the names discussed were Madreninas, Madrigals, Merry Teeners, Mu Delta Phi and MADCAPS.

On September 17, 1960, MADCAPS made its debut at a tea for 50 charter members and their 46 daughters, who shared a common goal to volunteer for and support philanthropic organizations. In the spring of 1961, MADCAPS attracted the attention of another national group, the Assistance League. After much discussion, the senior membership voted to continue to cultivate their own unique mother-daughter organization.

The first fashion show, titled “Springtime for Teens,” was held in March 1961 at the Stardust Hotel. That year, $529 was raised and presented to the Child Guidance Clinic. From 1961 through 1973, girls and sometimes moms modeled outfits from Don Heller’s store in Ocean Beach. The annual fashion show included skits and a dessert luncheon. The shows also had a theme, including “Madcappers Tea Party” and “Our Fair Ladies.” Today's benefit shows are no longer fashion shows, but the tradition of a theme still continues.

In 1986, due to the popularity of our benefit show and growing audience, the show moved to Correia Middle School, where it became primarily a dance show. In 2015, the show found a new home at Point Loma Nazarene University's Brown Chapel, where the shows are still performed today. The first MADCAP show raised $569, and in recent years we have given over $100,000 annually to the nonprofits we serve.

For years, each class chose a philanthropy they wanted to support. This changed in 1985, when members decided to modify the program to allow girls, during their six years with MADCAPS, to serve a variety of groups to learn more about our community. Our current focus areas are: community (7th grade); children (8th grade); individuals with disabilities (9th grade); rehabilitation (10th grade); the elderly (11th grade); and the environment (12th grade). Since 1960, MADCAPS has raised more than $1 million and performed hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours for various philanthropies in the San Diego community.

Click on the MADCAPS Mission and Strategy for further information on our organization!

MADCAPS History last updated in 2023