Piragis.com (Ely, MN) sells a kayak portage yoke that works pretty well. They sell their used ones from the rental fleet at the end of every season for roughly half the price of a new one. My son used one up there last season to carry his Current Designs kayak; worked out for us.

As to the qualifications of the North Shore volunteer, I know this guy and a bit about his background and experience:
-Bachelors degree in earth science and geography
-Masters in Recreation & Park Administration
-Secondary teaching certificate
-Has paddled or sailed all of the north shore of Lake ...