Troop 57/4057, one of the longest-running Boy Scout troops in Palo Alto, has a rich and storied history that spans nearly 90 years. Founded in 1933, it has grown from a small group of young men dedicated to outdoor adventures and community service into a pivotal institution in the Palo Alto community. Throughout its history, Troop 57/4057 has focused on fostering leadership, character development, and citizenship—values that continue to guide its members today. Troop 57 began its journey in the early 1930s as part of the Boy Scouts of America, which had been founded in 1910. Originally a boys-only troop, it quickly became an integral part of the Palo Alto community, emphasizing outdoor skills, service projects, and leadership development. From its inception, the troop’s goal was to create young men who would grow into responsible, service-oriented citizens, and by all accounts, it has remained true to that mission ever since. Troop 57 had an important connection with Lucie Stern, a local philanthropist whose generosity helped lay the foundation for the troop’s future. Stern’s contributions included the creation of the Scout Hall in Palo Alto and the Fire Circle. These gifts, which continue to provide enjoyment and adventure for generations of scouts, cemented her legacy in Palo Alto’s scouting history. Her support allowed Troop 57 to thrive and expand its reach, serving as a critical component of the community’s youth development programs. In February 2019, Troop 57 marked a significant milestone in its history when it officially launched Troop 4057, a girls-only troop, as part of the Boy Scouts of America’s rebranding to Scouts BSA. This change was a reflection of the evolving landscape of scouting and a desire to provide the same opportunities for leadership, outdoor exploration, and community service to young women that had previously been reserved for boys. Starting with just 10 girls from various Palo Alto schools, Troop 4057 has since grown to over 35 scouts, continuing the tradition of excellence and leadership that Troop 57 had set in place.
The creation of Troop 4057 allowed the Palo Alto scouting community to become even more inclusive, demonstrating how scouting could adapt to the changing times while maintaining its core values. Together, Troops 57 and 4057 now serve over 100 scouts, offering diverse programs that include everything from outdoor excursions to merit badge workshops, ensuring that each scout receives the support and guidance necessary to reach their full potential. Troop 57/4057’s history is marked by many significant achievements, particularly the high number of Eagle Scouts the troop has produced. Eagle Scout is the highest rank a scout can achieve, requiring years of dedication, hard work, and leadership. Nationally, only about 2% of Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle each year, but Troop 57 consistently exceeds that average, with roughly 4% of its members attaining the honor annually. This level of success is a direct reflection of the troop’s leadership, mentorship, and strong community support. Troop 57/4057 has also been instrumental in maintaining the legacy of Lucie Stern, continuing her mission of providing opportunities for young people to grow through scouting. The Scout Hall she helped fund remains a central hub for Troop 57/4057 activities, and the camp facilities that bear her name are still used for outdoor programs, leadership training, and other scouting events. In 2003, scouts repaired and restored the Fire Circle in the Lucie Stern Community Center. As the troop moves forward, it remains committed to its core mission: to foster leadership, character, and personal growth through a diverse range of experiences. Whether through the challenges of the Eagle Scout process or the bonds formed during camping trips, Troop 57/4057 remains a pillar of the Palo Alto community, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow, just as it has done for nearly nine decades.
Thanks to Jacob Young for providing this article.