Climb every mountain—or at least one tough one. Take your kids to the library and find your state map. Show them the elevation of the peaks. Then pick one nearby and set a goal: climb Mount Tippy-Top by the end of the summer.

Pick a location that meets your family’s age, health, and climbing abilities. A hike may be all you can handle at first. It’ll take some time to work your way up to Mount Everest! Set small goals like walking together to the corner store. When you get there, buy everyone a treat.

Explore online resources or check out mountain-climbing books from your local library. Talk with your kids about the challenge before them. Teach about climbing hazards, beasts and bugs to beware of, first aid, and equipment checks. You’ll also want to investigate weather conditions to be sure you have the necessary gear.

Before you take one step up that steep incline to the top, walk regularly around your block—a great opportunity to talk and to build up stamina and strength. Be sure to work in those new shoes before you tackle the peaks. Your kids will enjoy the training best if they have plenty of breaks, snacks, and reasonable expectations. Set goals and give regular rewards so your kids build up their muscles. When you finally reach the top, take a picture of the proud mountaineers.

God gives us many mountains to climb, some by choice and others by default. Kids who have the confidence to scale a towering peak will find themselves more than able to tackle the struggles of life, no matter where the challenges rise.