BSA Troop 42 was formed in San Mateo in 1958, and met regularly at the Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo until 2014 when the Troop moved to St. Bart's Catholic Church in San Mateo. The Troop was founded on the basic principles of the Boy Scouts of America with emphasis placed on:
- Development of outdoor and scout craft skills
- Character development
- Mental and physical fitness
- Patriotism and citizenship training
- Community service
- Provide and Encourage Advancement
- Scout led - Adult supervised
- Patrol Based
- Scout and family cooperative effort and involvement for a planned and enjoyable program
