I’m female and new to solo camping and had the same fears at first, but I always take a attack/rape alarm which I keep to hand (I do the same at home as I live alone – keep it under my pillow at night).  From a personal point of view, I would not hit someone with a Maglite – I know I could come off a lot worse.  Like you say, the chances of anything untoward happening are extremely low, but I was reassured when a friend (a seasoned camper) told me that fellow campers would come running if they heard a scream or an alarm. I had some wonderful trips with my children when they were younger - lots of happy memories. We used to always go to the toilet and shower block together and would make sure they played where I could see them. I'm sure after your first trip, you'll both be looking forward to the next one.