Full membership in Exploring is opened to young women (maximum age raised to 21), allowing co-educational posts based on chartered organizations' preferences. This is the first major inclusion of girls as full youth members in a BSA program.

Most Cub Scout leadership positions (e.g., den leaders) are opened to adult women. Catherine Pollard becomes the first woman to lead a Boy Scout troop (Troop 13 in Milford, Connecticut, serving as Scoutmaster from 1973-1975), though BSA does not officially recognize her until 1988 due to policies restricting women from Scoutmaster roles.

Cubmaster, assistant Cubmaster, and all commissioner positions are opened to adult women, further expanding leadership opportunities.

BSA adopts an official national policy banning gay scout leaders and members, stating that homosexuality is inconsistent with the Scout Oath's requirement to be "morally straight."