Harold Darden was in 4-H for 4 years in the gardening project in Troup Co. and in Collegiate 4-H for 2 years. From 1947-1954 he was Asst. County Agent in DeKalb Co., then Carroll County Agent for two years. He joined the GA State 4-H staff in 1956. Working with Martha Harrison, they developed a 4-H Camping program at the new Rock Eagle 4-H Center. He developed a selection process and training program for the college-age 4-H alumni serving as counselors. Darden created and carried out annually the 4-H Community Pride Workshops that increased understanding of the community and the 4-H Communication Workshops to train senior members in good communications skills and citizenship roles and responsibilities.
Darden helped develop and teach at an adult volunteer 4-H leader training program that was used in most GA counties. He wrote and produced a Citizenship Ceremony that is still used to recognize and challenge new voters at State 4-H Council. Darden worked with WAGA-TV in developing and producing “The 4-H Hour,” a Saturday program featuring 4-H members and extension agents. For 20 years he participated in planning and directing district 4-H project achievement events, State Record Judging, State 4-H Congress, State Council, State and District Officer Training and many more. He was awarded Emeritus status after retiring in 1975. He recently endowed a College Scholarship for a Rock Eagle Counselor.
